Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Take the mega hits of Stock, Aitken and Waterman, the writing skill of Nativity creator Debbie Isitt, the choreography of Strictly’s very own creative director Jason Gilkison, an insanely talented cast, sprinkle it with a little Kylie magic and you’ve just about got the recipe for the most fun show in town!

Featuring beloved hits from Kylie, Jason, Rick Astley and Bananarama to name but a few, I Should Be So Lucky has arrived, bringing the party with it and judging from last night’s thunderous standing ovation is here to stay.

Ella’s (Lucie-Mae Sumner) fairytale wedding quickly becomes a nightmare as groom, Nathan (Billy Roberts) gets more than just cold feet, the wedding may be off but Ella’s friends and family sweep in, reminding her there’s more to life than a white wedding. What follows is a couple of hours of pure, fun-filled escapism all played out to the sounds of the biggest Hit Factory the UK has ever seen.

Featuring ten number 1 singles and over 25 beloved bangers, I Should Be So Lucky gives the audience exactly what they want, fun with a capital F. This isn’t a show that takes itself too seriously, its camp, colourful and just wants you to have a bloomin’ good time.

Leads Lucie-Mae Sumner and Billy Roberts are supported by the most insanely talented cast who put their stamp well and truly on this world premiere production. Scott Paige is an absolute scream as Michael, he has the audience in the palm of his hand from his first tongue pop and keeps the laughs coming right through to the finale. His duet with Ralph Bogard as Hassan is comic genius, if there’s ever a sequel can I request a Michael and Hassan spin off please?

Jessica Daley is excellent as Ella’s sister Britney belting out the powerhouse vocals while Mum Shelley (Melissa Jacques) lifts the pop lyrics we know and love with the most stunning of voices. Giovanni Spano is perfection as Best Man Ash, a cheeky chappie who doesn’t realise he’s looking for love until Bonnie, played superbly by Kayla Carter makes him realise it’s been under his nose the whole time.

Matthew Croke as smooth-talking Nadeem is the perfect holiday romancer while Jamie Chapman controls the chaos with his own unique and utterly brilliant charm. There’s even guest appearances from Queen of Pop Kylie who sprinkles her own form of magic on this glittering production.

The sub-plots add depth to the storyline with some more successful than others but ultimately, they all combine to ensure that this is a show that will uplift, entertain, and leave you reminiscing about the good old day of pop. The creatives have worked hard to ensure this show delivers a strong message of friendship, self-belief, and love, all within a wonderfully inclusive story.

In a time when we all need a little hope and happiness, I Should Be So Lucky delivers entirely, if this show comes on prescription, sign me up for a double dose!

I Should Be So Lucky is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 25^th November tickets available here. The tour then continues across the UK and Ireland until May 2024