Type – Comedy, Romance, Modern fairytale, Fantasy
If you liked – Cinderella, Rent, Kinky Boots
Pretty Woman: The Musical: Welcome to Hollywood! This nostalgia trip reminds you to consider the question, what’s your dream?
It seems all the good movies are being made into musicals these days. We’ve had Legally Blonde – the Musical, Titanic – the Musical, Mamma Mia!… you get the picture. So what does Pretty Woman – the Musical bring that feels fresh?
Based on the iconic 1990 film directed by Gary Marshall and starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, Pretty Woman has long held a special place in pop culture. I remember watching it as a child, completely charmed – and now, more than 20 years later, it’s touring for the first time in Australia, live on stage.
There is much to enjoy in this musical adaptation: the humour, the sparkle, the fashion, and the larger-than-life Broadway energy, and the nostalgic soundtrack – most notably Roy Orbison’s timeless “Oh, Pretty Woman.” At its core, the story is a modern-day Cinderella tale, except this Cinderella is a feisty and loud call girl, Vivian (Samantha Jade), and Prince Charming is a straight laced M&A lawyer, Edward (Ben Hall). The contrast between the two worlds – her free-spirited unpredictability and his cold, corporate discipline – is where much of the charm (and comedy) lives.
Jade shines as Vivian, delivering a performance that is sweet yet strong, playful yet grounded. She captures the character’s endearing mix of vulnerability and grit with ease. The bellboy, Giulio (Jordan Tomljenovic), is a true scene-stealer – bursting with charisma, humour, and jaw-dropping dance talent. His comic relief keeps the energy high throughout. The audience loved him. The hotel manager, Mr Thompson (Tim Omaji) is another standout, bringing authority and wit to every interaction.
For die-hard fans of the original film, the musical lovingly preserves the most iconic moments – from Vivian’s unforgettable shopping trip on Rodeo Drive and the snobby shop assistants, to the famous bathtub scene and that legendary line: “Six nights, $3,000. I am going to treat you so nice, you won’t want me to leave.”
Beyond the romance and laughter, Pretty Woman – The Musical also subtly explores class divides – the haves and the have-nots – and how connection can transcend social expectation. It’s also about surviving when times are tough and following your heart.
At times the sound from the songs felt uneven, with some moments overly loud and slightly affecting clarity – possibly due to the venue’s acoustics rather than the production itself.
The set design by David Rockwell is a visual triumph. The grandeur of the hotel, the luxury of the penthouse with the Hollywood hills in the background to the buzzing neon of the Hollywood strip – complete with the glowing “Big Banana” – bring the world of Pretty Woman to life.
Is Pretty Woman – The Musical Worth Seeing in Sydney?
As the holiday season approaches, gather your friends and head to the Theatre Royal for a night of romance, comedy, and fantasy. Dress to impress – add a touch of red – and allow yourself to be swept up in a story that reminds us all to ask the question: Do you have a dream? If so, dream big.
See our full chat with star, Michelle Brasier, ahead of opening night here.
Tickets and Practical Info for Pretty Woman – The Musical in Sydney 🎟️
Tickets: https://prettywomanthemusical.com.au/tickets/sydney/
Theatre Royal, Sydney
Sydney Season: 30 November 2025 – 1 March 2026
Music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Starring Samantha Jade and Ben Hall.
Following the Sydney season, Pretty Woman: The Musical will head to the Crown Theatre Perth from April 2026, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, from May 2026, and Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from July 2026. For more information, visit: www.prettywomanthemusical.com.au for details.
