REVIEW | The Cher Show, UK Tour

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

THE CHER SHOW

★★★★★

Ever since this genre became popularised back in 2001 with Mamma Mia, we are not short of jukebox musicals heading into theatres across the world. The last few years alone have been explosive when it comes to this genre of musicals, audiences adore them and now we have The Cher Show to add to the list.  Cher, known for her contributions to music, fashion, and TV/film is the latest icon to have her life created into a jukebox musical. The musical has opened its European premiere at Curve before heading out on an extensive UK and Ireland tour. 

The Cher Show is a production that unearths who Cher was as an individual and the trials and tribulations behind the icon that millions love and adore. Cher's six-decade-long career is brilliantly staged in this production, with three true triple threats taking charge of portraying different stages of her life and career in spectacular style. 

There is a quick and comfortable delivery of how the story unfolds. Rick Elice's book shows how Cher's relationship with Sonny had a profound effect on her life, the pressure of an industry that was evolving rapidly around her, and the other romantic relationships she had. There is also the main thread running through it about her desire to be seen and heard. Cher was a woman who constantly reinvented herself in a male-dominated industry. Elice's book amps up the heart of this story but also integrates a clever amount of humour that has been emphasized well by the expertise of Dame Arlene Phillips as director. 

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

The Cher Show is easily one of the best shows you will see from Phillips right now. She has designed an unforgettably gorgeous production that celebrates Cher perfectly on the stage. The level of detail this production has undergone is perfection and it's a credit to Phillip's hard work and commitment to this industry. Audiences coming to see the show should not expect to see a 'tribute' show or act, but one of the finest examples of storytelling and celebration for one of the greatest music artists of all time. 

Supported by a gorgeous aesthetic, the creative team has no limits to making this show thrive on the UK touring circuit. Tom Rogers delivers a set that makes us feel like we're the fly on the wall in Cher's life. Different props or lighting are cleverly incorporated to help us know where we are in Cher's life. Ben Cracknell continues to showcase his ability to bring a stage to life with his sublime lighting design and Gabriella Slade's costume design empathizes with the glitz and glamour of show business with flawless execution.  I'd quite like a few of those costumes in my own wardrobe please! 

 

Debbie Kurup, Danielle Steers, and Millie O'Connell are shining examples of when a show has nailed it and their casting on this show from day dot has been just sublime. These 3 leading ladies lead with an almighty force. Their level of expertise was clear to see as they delivered an outstanding performance of Cher at specific times in her life. The 3 women spend most of the duration of the show on that stage, ensuing that their portrayal of such a recognisable character is fulfilled until the final lights go down. 

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

They each serve a responsibility to become a voice of hindsight and encouragement for Cher as she paves her way through her life. Kurup, Steers, and O'Connell are giving the performances of their lives in this production and I am here for it every step of the way. Their level of energy and passion is equally shared amongst them. They fill the boots of leading ladies quite comfortably and their renditions of 'Half-Breed', 'Song for the Lonely', and 'You Haven't Seen The Last of Me' will stand the length of time and make you want to turn back the hands of time, just to see it all over again! 

They are supported by a quality cast. Lucas Rush brings a real warmth and a likeable presence as Sonny. Rush is fantastic at portraying the profound effect his character had on Cher's life and we see so many diverse sides to him. Sam Ferriday has the task of playing numerous roles but he grasps every one of them with equal effort and really delivers a fantastic performance.

And the ensemble, they are exhausting to watch as they deliver vibrant and fresh choreography from Oti Mabuse. The ensemble is flawlessly practised to bring 35 of Cher's biggest musical numbers to life and hit every beat. It won't be the last time we see Mabuse choreographing a musical, she is thriving in this field and this production is a shining example of that. 

The Cher Show will be the show you talk about the most in 2022. It's clever, energetic and a number one example of why investing in new musicals in the UK is so important right now! The Cher Show is a smoking-hot show you do not want to miss! 

The Cher Show is embarking on a  UK and Ireland tour. Ticket information can be found here.