I Should Be So Lucky – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Writer: Debbie Isitt

Music: Stock Aitken Waterman

Director: Debbie Isitt

Choreographer: Jason Gilkison

Smash hits galore. This musical does not disappoint. It is charged with energy. The writer and director Debbie Isitt and the creative team have woven a fun, romantic and emotional story from over 20 songs from the illustrious trio of Stock Aitken Waterman. Even Kylie Minogue is involved, overlooking proceedings and inspiring the heroine, Ella.

Ella is due to be married to her long-time boyfriend Nathan. They are hopelessly in love but at the last moment things go wrong and Ella is left standing alone at the altar. Her family and friends rally around to support her and decide they will all accompany her on her planned honeymoon to Paradise Love Island in Turkey.

Nathan is determined to win Ella back but first he has to contend with the wrath of her family and competition from tour guide, Nadeem. Will Nathan win her back and misunderstandings be sorted? But that is not all of the story, in the escapist world of the idyllic island, other romances blossom.

Tom Rodgers, the show designer has created a wonderful heart shaped theme to the set. It is backed with a video projection of waves gently lapping the shore of the holiday retreat. Everywhere there is colour and warmth, beautiful sunsets but stormy skies too. There is a surfeit of pink and red as you would expect. The lovers are even transported on the stage in a hot air balloon.

The choreographer, Jason Gilkison, the creative director for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in the UK, has overseen some great dancing routines. They are delivered with such energy and precision. Of course, Stock Aitken Waterman simply make you want to get up and dance and you see the cast doing exactly that with great exuberance.

Songs like Too Many Broken Hearts, Together Forever, Better Off Without You (and many more) are beautifully sung. Lucie-Mae Sumner is stunning in her role as Ella. Her emotions shine out throughout her performance. Billy Roberts as Nathan is a perfect match and the two compliment each other.

There are a host of loveable characters intertwined in the story. Special mention needs to be made to the larger-than-life camp character Michael played by Scott Paige. He brings such fun, care and a certain vulnerability to his role. His rendition of Toy Boy is a delight.

Ella’s grandmother Ivy (Jemma Churchill) is an entertaining character. Churchill has the slightly embarrassing character of Ella’s grandmother spot on. She demonstrates there is still plenty of life in the old girl yet.

I Should Be So Luckyis very inclusive. It is not high brow in the least. It is pure entertainment. It is an opportunity to resurrect and introduce the brilliant music of Stock Aitken Waterman of the 80s to early 90s. It is heart-warming and fun. The show started its world premiere tour in Manchester in November 2023 and is now touring the country. Like every good show it makes reference to local places much to the delight of the Sheffield audience.

The audience is welcomed to their feet at the end of this fast-paced performance to join in the singing and celebration of the wonderful music in this musical.

Runs until 20 January 2024.