Pretty Woman

The Toast of Broadway returns

Pretty Woman is walking down the street to London's West End once again in 2021! With music by 90s icon Bryan Adams and a book by Garry Marshall and J.F Lawton the brand new musical adaptation has wowed audiences on Broadway, and now its making its London return! 

One of the most beloved films of the 90s, Pretty Woman launched the career of Julia Roberts and set the template for every romantic comedy to come. The story follows a rich businessman who falls in love with a sex worker he hires to escort him to a week of social functions. Created by the movie's director, the late Gary Marshall, this new version will flesh out the characters, promising a more "positive" take on the story.

Even though we all know Pretty Woman, the creators of the new musical know the original storyline won't go down to well with modern audiences. Therefore, the Vivian (played by Samantha Barks on Broadway) we once knew will now be a stronger and a more independent heroine for the 21st century.

WHAT IS PRETTY WOMAN ABOUT?

A ruthless and driven business tycoon, Edward specializes in taking over businesses and then selling them off, piece by piece, totally unsympathetic to the hundreds of employees' lives he destroys. During a trip to LA, he finds himself without a partner for series of schmaltzy functions, so hires a sex worker to act as his escort. The lady of the night he chooses is Vivian, who much like Edward, goes about her work with a clinical detachment.

As their week together progresses, this usually isolated couple find themselves utterly comfortable in each other's company and discover that they might just be falling for each other. Can this blossoming romance turn both of their lives around?

DID YOU KNOW?

The movie may be a light and charming romance, but the story started out very differently. The original script was a dark drama, with a much more downbeat ending. Once Gere and Roberts were cast, however, it was clear that the pair generated such chemistry together that the movie's tone needed to be lightened.