Review of The Cher Show at Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton

The global star that is Cherilyn Sarkisian, more commonly known to us as Cher, has been around in the public eye for so long now that there is very nearly no generation alive that hasn't been touched by one iteration of her. Therefore it is perhaps apt that The Cher Show, which premiered in Chicago in 2018, tells the life of Cher through three performers, who are so different in many ways, despite in essence the same person.

Those "characters", in order, are Babe, the young, on the edge of stardom version, and the “babe” to Sonny Bono in their first global hit, I've Got You Babe. Then for the seventies period, Babe becomes Lady, the more hungry for fame and strong Cher, and the one fighting her corner as Sonny drives her to react badly to their partnership and relationship. Finally, the eighties bring us Star, the final incarnation, the film star, the star of adverts, the singer of Believe and Cher ready with a tweet or two on Twitter.

It is an excellent format and is not used as a simple chronology of one leaving the story as another arrives, but with a regular presence of the other Cher's as one takes centre change. This allows the others to either look back fondly, look forward with a concern or just be playful and jolly most of the time as Babe is.

The original Cher, “Babe” has a fantastic awkwardness in the hands of Millie O’Connell complete with the perfected mannerisms in her first performance of I’ve Got You Babe on Top of the Pops with Sonny Bono. It is a tremendously quirky performance, which perhaps some might frown on being too caricatured, however, even a brief bit of online searching for old footage clearly shows this is just the perfect representation of sixties Cher. Lady is played with incredible strength and presence by Danielle Steers. Her vocal ability is fantastic, with the ability to truly belt out Cher's classic songs with power. Finally, we have perhaps the star of the show, aptly playing Star. Debbie Kurup is simply an incredible performer, maybe the truly perfect Cher in a way. She plays her as a no-messing character, willing to do anything, even sell hairspray, just to remain relevant. This is the reason Cher is still around, and this is why this show exists. This is the Cher that proves that you should never, ever, give up on your dreams.

Lucas Rush as Sonny is absolutely brilliant and both looks and sounds uncannily like the real thing and he handles what could be a tremendously dislikeable character with a nice balance. He is the driving force of the show beyond that of course of Cher herself. The two share a beautiful scene in the second act, which acts as a lovely coda to all that has happened before between the two.

There is some excellent support in the other roles, Jake Mitchell’s Bob Mackie is every bit as exuberant and dynamic and startling as the costumes he creates for Cher with a tremendous Cabaret flair to his musical numbers. Tori Scott is kindly and effortlessly comical as well as Cher’s kindly mother, Georgia, She clearly also has a stunning voice and it is such a shame that the show

doesn’t allow us to hear more from her.

Tom Rogers set offers a true homage to Cher’s wardrobe for much of the time, portraying wig upon wig and dress bags upon dress bags, crammed into vast columns on the left and right of the stage, and this coupled with many garish colours depict the world of Cher perfectly. The costume design by Gabriella Slade also equally fits the show and Cher universe, crazy, and a feast for the eyes.

The show is brought to the stage by director Arlene Phillips and choreography from Oti Mabuse, and the pair are clearly perfect for each other, creating a dynamic show throughout, and in the hands of the tremendously talented ensemble, the show is dynamic throughout. Rick Elice's book is interesting and surprisingly funny to boot as it shows the wit of Cher herself in its telling.

I actually had the chance to see The Cher Show previously much earlier in this UK tour, and it is safe to say that this show, maybe like some would say of Cher herself, has aged with tremendous style. It is much better a show than last year despite very little change outwardly. This cast is gelling to perfection and now The Cher Show has become a pretty much must-see show.

Cher-ish this fabulous musical telling a true icon's life story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Tuesday 10th January 2023 at the Royal & Derngate (Derngate), Northampton.

The Cher Show is at Royal & Derngate until 14th January 2023.

For further details about the Royal & Derngate and to book tickets see their website at http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Production photos: Pamela Raith Photography

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