Cher is one of the world's most popular singers and actresses, with a career spanning seven decades.
She first found fame in 1965 as one-half of the folk-rock husband-wife duo Sonny & Cher, most notably their song 'I Got You Babe' and a hugely popular TV show, and she soon began a solo career. Cher has sold over 100 million records to date and is one of the world's best-selling music artists.
Written by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), The Cher Show is directed by Arlene Phillips, choreographed by Oti Mabuse, with costumes by Gabriella Slade. It describes the evolution of the artist from southern California girl to international star, and to do it we have not one, but a trinity of Chers: Millie O'Connell as the younger Cher (Babe), Danielle Steers (stunning vocals as usual) as the middle-aged Cher (Lady), and Debbie Kurup as the ultimate diva (Star).
The three stars bring her to life at different stages in her career: Babe is naïve, fragile but full of enthusiasm, exuberance and hope, Lady is commanding and powerful, while Star shows the later Cher who has achieved her dreams thanks to her passion and hard work. All of them give a solid performance portraying a woman trying to maintain her public image while privately trying to control her career in a world (the music industry) that hasn't quite heard the messages of the growing Feminist movement.
Sonny, the controlling husband, is played excellently by Lucas Rush. Their marriage was riddled with infidelity, which Cher previously noted as a factor in their 1974 divorce.
It is truly a beautiful show that perfectly captures the spirit of the singer, and it is packed with all the hits, including If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, The Shoop Shoop Song, I Got You Babe, and, of course, Believe.
The Cher Show is an energetic, big, shiny, spectacular party, and feels more like a stadium concert than a musical biography or story of female empowerment. But it will surely make you jump on your feet to dance and will leave you with a big smile on your face.
It runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 4/2/2023.
Photos: Pamela Raith