(AD – PRESS NIGHT) THE CHER SHOW REVIEW (HULL)
HULL NEW THEATRE
TUESDAY 3RD APRIL @ 7.30PM
**** 4/5
The Cher Show opened up a couple of weeks ago in Leicester to rave reviews. With that being said, it made me even more excited to see it in Hull! Keep reading for The Cher Show review (Hull)
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
Cher is an icon but I didn’t think I knew a lot of her discography, other than the obvious ones. I also went in not really knowing the plot. I assumed it would be a three-parter as I knew there were three women playing Cher. Jukebox musicals and I have a love-hate relationship so I was hoping for the former, rather than the latter!
THE CHERS
Once again, the star of the show is the cast! We’re gifted three stellar performers as the ‘Cher’ characters through the decades. Starting with Millie O’Connell as Babe, we begin the story with Cher in the first grade. Obviously, it’s hilarious that a twenty-something can play a small child but it adds to the humour! O’Connell plays her through the early days, including meeting Sonny for the first time. ‘Innocence’ is her whole vibe and O’Connell is the right woman for the job. She has a lovely voice and she really taps into the awkwardness before discovering her true voice and uniqueness. O’Connell has such a Sixties look so it’s great casting. She’s also the first Six link in this cast.
Next, we go to Danielle Steers as Lady, when Cher has divorced Sonny and is finding her feet on her own. Having seen Steers in Six (connection number two), I’ve been obsessed with her soulful voice for a while. As Cher, her casting is spot on. Steers give off this whole diva vibe so it was perfect that she got to play Cher during her first reinvention. My only complaint is that I felt she was the Cher we got to see the least of!
To finish off the trio of Chers is Debbie Kurup as Star, the oldest of the three Chers. Kurup is as close to modern-day Cher as you can get in terms of acting and she has her confidence (or arrogance as the show says) and aura. I’d say she gets the most stage time as the majority of act two is all about her.
THE SUPPORTING CAST
Here is where we mention the men involved in the show. You all know I love a female-led show but the men are worthy mentions! Lucas Rush plays Sonny throughout the show and he manages to have chemistry with all three Chers. Jake Mitchell as Bob Mackie, Cher’s designer, is over-the-top and entertaining. A special nod to Sam Ferriday, who plays four men in Cher’s life from Phil Spector to her second husband, Greg Allman. That’s a lot of work for one person!
Whilst the men certainly play a solid but supporting role, I was a big fan of Tori Scott, playing Cher’s mum, Georgia. She had such a motherly quality about her that was kind and genuine. She also had a beautiful, warming singing voice.
The ensemble is integral to the smooth running of the whole show. As well as being in control of moving scenery, their dance numbers are spectacular too.
THE PRODUCTION
I particularly like that it’s narrated by the three of them and that they’re on stage sporadically during most scenes. It makes it a lot more enjoyable to watch, compared to other jukebox musicals. The chronological order of the show pleased my Capricorn heart because we like order. This makes it so easy to follow and the narration helps too.
My favourite part of the show has to be the costumes. As soon as I saw Gabriella Slade was the desginer, I knew they’d be spectacular. Here’s the third Six connection as she was the designer for that too. She loves showy, flashy costumes so there isn’t a sequin or gemstone she hasn’t met, used and loved!
The choreography from the queen Oti Mabuse is a mixture of musical theatre jazz, hip hop with some ballroom thrown in there too. I expect her to be one of the leading choreographers in modern musicals from now on! Arlene Phillips’ direction allows the choreography to shine too, with just the right amount of ensemble on the stage at all times. The props and staging are just the right amount to add to the story but not take over.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The only reason I haven’t given this show five stars is because Cher’s music isn’t my favourite. I love the woman and everything she stands for though. The cast and crew have made this show so slick that you’d think this production has been touring for years. I’m expecting a West End transfer after the tour finishes because this, on a bigger stage, would be even more spectacular!
The Cher Show continues on its tour (find the dates here) and is on in Hull until Saturday. If you enjoyed the Cher Show review – Hull, catch my other theatre reviews here and follow my stagey trips on Twitter and Instagram.
