Pretty Woman the Musical Review (Regent Theatre Melbourne 2026)

Score

Summary: Pretty Woman: The Musical is pure musical theatre

4

A classic!

It is easy to be sceptical of movie-to-stage adaptations, as we carry our memories of the original film like a security blanket, and sometimes the live version struggles to match the magic. Thankfully, Pretty Woman The Musical sidesteps this trap entirely. Rather than delivering a verbatim reproduction, it offers its own unique interpretation of this classic, complete with memorable songs, energetic dance, genuine emotion, and plenty of laughs along the way to make it a thoroughly entertaining night out.

The story opens in the seedy streets of urban Hollywood, a world of street workers and opportunists where the audience is introduced to Vivian (played brilliantly by Samantha Jade) and her loyal roommate, Kit De Luca (Michelle Brasier), who are scraping by in a dive apartment where the rent is long overdue and eviction looms large. However, Vivian’s life takes a sharp turn with the arrival of billionaire businessman Edward Lewis, portrayed by Ben Hall, who steps into the role with effortless cool. What begins as a temporary arrangement with Vivian quickly shifts into something far more personal.

While the source material follows a classic narrative, the direction uses it to its advantage, focusing the audience’s attention on the key emotional beats. Fans of the film will be thrilled to find plenty of iconic scenes faithfully recreated, from the snobbish high-end clothes shops to the famous, playful red box necklace scene, alongside plenty of fresh stage surprises. Although the pacing is a little shaky at times, the production successfully weaves a universal story of a woman refusing to be defined by her circumstances, amplified by several fun, over-the-top ensemble numbers that pack the stage with infectious energy.

This success, however, would not have been possible without Samantha Jade, who is perfectly cast as Vivian. Although petite in stature, she possesses a commanding presence and an equally powerful voice. She effortlessly moves between her character’s vulnerability and confidence, which is a joy to watch, as is her moving rendition of “Anywhere But Here”. Opposite her is Ben Hall, who is equally engaging, bringing a low, cool voice to the production. When the two harmonise on the duet “You and I,” it further cements the excellent vocal arrangements of this production.

Another highlight of the evening belongs to Tim Omaji, who commands the room in his dual roles as the Happy Man and Mr. Thompson. Omaji brings immense charisma and draws plenty of laughs from the Regent Theatre audience. His absolute peak moment comes when he pairs up with the hotel bellboy, Giulio (played with infectious, scene-stealing levity by Jordan Tomljenovic), as the duo shares a fabulous, show-stopping dance number underpinned by hilarious on-stage chemistry that has the crowd in stitches—one of many standout moments.

Pretty Woman The Musical also channels a real, nostalgic 1980s vibe, brought to life through exceptionally polished aesthetics. The production boasts beautifully designed, interactive sets that transport the audience seamlessly from the neon-lit Hollywood Boulevard of the Blue Banana Club to the high-end glamour of Rodeo Drive and the plush interiors of the luxury hotel. Accompanying these locations are era-appropriate costumes and big hairstyles that anchor the show perfectly in its beloved decade. Additionally, the excellent lighting design further elevates the mood, shifting dynamically to match the emotional highs and lows of the narrative.

Final Thoughts

Pretty Woman The Musical is pure musical theatre. It proves that the beloved story by Garry Marshall and J. F. Lawton is a modern-day Cinderella tale built to last, and this incarnation is not only witty and energetic, but also brimming with heart. When the cast closed the opening night with a high-octane rendition of the iconic track, it was the perfect way to finish this musical, capping off an unforgettable evening with a well-deserved standing ovation.