‘If I Could Turn Back Time…’ The Cher Show, Orchard Theatre, Dartford. 22.09.2022

New to the UK, I was very excited to be seeing tonights current tour – having heard amazing feed back, along with the reviews from its run on Broadway.

The Cher Show, is a fresh take on a Jukebox musical the meteoric rise to fame story of music Icon Cher. We follow not one but three Chers through her iconic career – as this story is too big to be told by just one! With her amazing songs such as ‘Turn Back Time’ ‘Believe’ ‘The Shoop Shoop Song’ and ‘Song for the Lonely’, her love stories and heart ache and career ups and downs, this musical does not only entertain but you learn so much about her that you may not of known before.

Directed by the theatrical Arlene Philips and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing two time winner Oti Mabuse, the pair have truly created something special that not only the die hard fans will love, but musical lovers that will fully enjoy a perfect Jukebox musical! The Layout is similar to jukebox musical ‘Jersey Boys’ in following the years of Cher’s career – which is perfectly shown with ‘subtle’ and ‘hidden’ year displays throughout the show, you go along with the 3 Chers ‘Star’ ‘Lady’ and ‘Babe’ who each are given their time to tell her story and shine. The choreography, is phenomenal by Oti Mabuse, who ensure every genre of dance is brought to life with this production and with the simplistic setting created by Tom Rogers – which includes and amazing display of the iconic Cher Wigs through the ages of her performances, the amazing dancers ensure that the production is visually stunning to watch!

Now the show, wouldn’t be what it is without the cast. The 3 Cher’s by far blow this production out of the theatre Debbie Kurup (Star), Danielle Steers (Lady) and Millie O’Connell (Baby), they must of done so much research as each one of them channel their inner Diva and have done Cher proud! When each one of them took to their spotlight they made sure it was with high energy, passion and walked, talked, but most importantly sung like Cher! Even when they sung as a trio it was like we were listening to just one Cher as their voices complimented each other perfectly, especially during ‘You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me’. You instantly fell in love with each of them!

Their relationship with Sonny, played beautifully by Lucas Rush were each as compassionate as the last and Lucas who not only had to work along with three leading ladies he ensured that each one of them received the same care and Love that Sonny had for Cher – even if at one point it was broken., was just as he was performing with one leading lady!

Mentions goes to the supporting cast, Tori Scott as loving mother Georgia, Jake Mitchell did not put a step wrong as Bob Mackie – who knew he had moves like that! And as the many love interests Sam Ferriday shows his acting ability by clearly displaying separate characters! They were all a great joy to watch!

Having not known much about Cher myself, only that of her fame and music, learning about how she came to be was compelling and given me so much respect for who she as and what she stood for – but also grown a much bigger love her for her!

The Cher Show guarantees you a great night out of entertainment, music and laughs! I am surprised that it begun its life in the UK on tour, as this production greatly deserves a West End Stage! It is by far one of the best Jukebox musicals there is currently and if you are not up on your feet during the finale, then what show did you see? If this production is coming near you – get your tickets now!

Playing at the Orchard Theatre till Saturday 24th September, for all ticket information go here. It will then continue on its UK Tour, for all dates and ticket information go here.