Interview with Natalie Paris, Pretty Woman The Musical

Currently embarking on a UK & Ireland tour following a successful run in London’s West End at the Savoy Theatre, Pretty Woman The Musical continues to delight audiences. The 1990 film which starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gee became one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time. Featuring direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (‘Summer of ’69’, ‘Heaven’), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J.F. Lawton - we talk with Natalie Paris to find out more about this musical!

You’ve worked on some incredible productions during your career so far including SIX, Les Miserables and even workshopped new musicals like Starry. What has kept you inspired and motivated to pursue a career in such a demanding industry?

It does sound like such a cliché, but I well and truly couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I am so lucky to have done it since I was a child and continue to do it as an adult. Yes, there are so many ups and downs. Yes, it is incredibly difficult at times. But the highs are so high and there is no better feeling than going out there, doing your thing and taking the audience on a journey – giving them a place of escape. I really love it; I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

You are now starring in the first ever UK and Ireland tour of Pretty Woman: The Musical - what made you want to audition for this production?

I actually saw the show in London because a good friend of mine, Aimie Atkinson, was playing Vivian! I saw her in it, and then another of my friends Courtney Bowman went on to play Kit DeLuca so I saw her in it too – so I knew the show really well. I remembered seeing Kit’s character and thinking “that looks so much fun”. Plus, the songs are EPIC. So, when my agent came to me with it I was so excited.

Tell us a little bit more about your character, Kit De Luca? 

So, Kit DeLuca is Vivian’s bestie! She is also a sex worker and I think she is the one who brought Vivian into that world. She is sassy, feisty, funny – and she totally has Vivian’s back 100%. They have a beautiful relationship. But what is really cool about the musical, obviously Kit has some songs, but she also has more of a journey in terms of her storyline that they have created for her in the musical. It’s so much fun to play her.

Ore Oduba 'Happy Man', Natalie Paris 'Kit De Luca' and Company. Photo Marc Brenner

Because this production is based on a film, how do you develop a character which is both notable but then also unique to you as a performer?

Obviously, for everyone who has seen the film - they all know the characters and that’s a great place to start. It has been so great to watch the movie again and take so much from that. But what has been really cool about the musical is that as well as Kit having more of a storyline, I can also put my own stamp on it.

Pretty Woman is a popular rom-com film - do you think it translates to the stage well and what are the noticeable differences which you think audiences should know about before coming to see the show?

I think the musical has done such a fantastic job of staying true to the film, so I think when you come to the show it has all the iconic lines in there. And with Edward and Vivian, it is so true to the film – but with loads of singing and dancing going on which you don’t get in the film. I think it gives you everything you want and more!

You are working alongside a fantastic cast during this tour, including Amber Davis who plays Vivian. Your characters have a really important friendship in this production, has this developed naturally off-stage? 

I actually remember meeting Amber (Davies) long before we knew about Pretty Woman. We met at the Stage Debut Awards and instantly, I remember thinking, I love her! So, when we found out we were going to be playing besties on stage we were so excited. That first day at rehearsals, we just instantly loved each other. I am so incredibly lucky that we have such a fantastic relationship both on and off stage.

If you weren’t playing Kit’s character, who would you play and why?

This is a hard question, but I think I would like to play Happy Man. He is the narrator of the show, and he gets to wear so many hats – both literal hats and in terms of characterisation. I think that would be so much fun, such a challenge – plus, he has some lovely dance-y numbers in there. I think it would be a fun character to play.

Pretty Woman: The Musical also comes with fantastic musical numbers too! Which is your favourite from the show and why?

Another hard question! There are so many great numbers in the show. I love singing Rodeo Drive which is one of my numbers – it is so rocky and fun to sing. But also, the first time I heard the opera in rehearsals with our gorgeous Lila and Josh, I literally had goosebumps. It was so powerful. It touched me and got to me, so outside of my own numbers I would have to say the opera.

What has the experience of being on tour been like so far? Are there any cities you are particularly looking forward to seeing?

The most amazing thing about being on tour is being able to see so many places that you never have before or would never go to. I am so excited we are going to Ireland because I have never been before, and I cannot wait! But that is the joy of touring – seeing the country is so much fun. Tour life is interesting – you’re living out of a case and constantly moving from place to place, but it allows us to create such a great bond. We have made the most of every stop, and audiences have been fantastic.

If there was another rom-com that could become a musical, which one would you pick?

You have all the difficult questions today! There are so many rom-coms that are fantastic and would be so great on stage. I think Bridesmaids would be so much fun – all the strong female characters would be epic. It would be a lot of fun. But there are so many to choose from!

Finally Natalie, please tell our readers why they should book their tickets to see Pretty Woman The Musical in 2024?

Come and see Pretty Woman The Musical if you want a night full of fun, joy, and laughter. You will leave with a smile on your face and a skip in your step because you get to be involved in (and escape into) the magic of Pretty Woman. Please, please come and see us!

Pretty Woman The Musical is touring the UK and Ireland until September 2024.