From it’s stage premiere in 2018, to its most recent run in Brisbane, Sydney now has the opportunity to experience Pretty Woman: The Musical. The iconic film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gear is an improbable romance, but no doubt has captured the hearts of viewers since its film premiere in 1990. It is a timeless story that draws on themes of hope and the desire to be accepted for who we are.
From the beginning, the stage is set in the theme of Hollywood Boulevard as we first see here the song Welcome to Hollywood. We then get a glimpse into Vivian’s life through the song Anywhere but Here, which is touching and memorable, followed by Something about her from Edward, right after the prospective romance between the two is first established. It is hard to ignore the serious themes displayed in the film, however, the musical was a rose-tinted version that was light and humorous.
Some might worry that such an iconic film wouldn’t translate well to the stage, but they’d be pleasantly surprised to find the musical both enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining.
All the beloved scenes remain intact and instantly recognisable, including the memorable shopping sequence that has always left a soft spot in our hearts for Vivian. This is the moment when she is dismissively asked to leave the store, only to return later with newfound confidence and deliver the iconic line: Big mistake. Big. Huge.
Pretty Woman: The Musical features an incredible cast, with Aria Award winner Samantha Jade as Vivian Ward and renowned theatre performer Ben Hall as Edward Lewis. The chemistry between the two on stage was at times debatable, but they ultimately deliver a solid performance.
The supporting cast also lit up the stage. Vivian’s friend Kit De Luca, played by global comedy favourite, Michelle Brasier, commanded the spotlight with her powerhouse vocals.
Meanwhile, Mr Thompson, portrayed by multi-platinum selling artist Tim Omaji, known to many as Timomatic, melted our hearts in his fun-loving, wonderfully endearing turn as the hotel’s loveable manager.
Samantha Jade dazzles as Vivian, brings a touching vulnerability to the role that feels genuinely endearing. She adds just the right amount of sass and humour, keeping the spirit of Vivian alive while giving it a fresh, theatrical flair.
Given that Pretty Woman was originally a Garry Marshall film, the stage production had a lot to live up to. The music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance added depth to the characters, revealing sides of them that the movie only hinted at. There were many memorable songs, including the recurring number Freedom, sung by Edward to express his longing for change.
The costumes were designed by Tom Rogers and given that fashion was a prominent part of the film, Rogers kept all the iconic dresses with a few minor differences. Vivian’s red evening dress was a standout out and perhaps a few colour changes with others, which no doubt worked well.
One standout addition was the live opera performance during the scene where Edward takes Vivian to the opera. The inclusion of Brindisi (the drinking song) and Amami, Alfredo from the famous La Traviata, sung beautifully by Rebecca Gulinello, was nothing short of breathtaking. It created the kind of powerful, goosebump-inducing moment audiences hope for in a musical.
Not that Pretty Woman wasn’t terrific as it was, but it was interesting to see a few additional scenes that didn’t appear in the film. Mr Thompson, the lovable and soft-hearted hotel manager who always supported Vivian, stepped into his own world with some charming ballroom-dance numbers that kept the audience entertained for the most part.
If you’re a fan of the film, Pretty Woman: The Musical is definitely worth watching. All the iconic scenes are there, and they’re sure to keep you entertained throughout the night.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King Street, Sydney
Performance: Thursday 4 December 2025
Season continues to 1 March 2026
Bookings: www.theatreroyalsydney.com
Following the Sydney season, Pretty Woman: The Musical will head to Crown Theatre Perth from 18 April, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, from 31 May, and Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from 14 July 2026. For more information, visit: www.prettywomanthemusical.com.au for details.
Images: Samantha Jade and Ben Hall in Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud | Ben Hall and Samantha Jade in Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud | Tim Omaji in Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud | Samantha Jade and the Cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud | The Cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical – photo by Daniel Boud
Review: Alexa Hafner Keelan