The Cher Show. Photograph: Pamela Raith Photography
By Tim Saunders
It wasn’t long after I passed my driving test that I could be found tearing around the country lanes of Dorset with Cher... Her number one hit Believe was blasting from my worn out speakers. I am reminded of this fun time in my life when my daughter Harriett and I see The Cher Show A New Musical at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.
The more than 2,000-seater auditorium is packed for this show and many are jigging in their seats throughout, including me.
Loud thumping tunes hold our attention and Harriett is quickly introduced to this fabulous singer through hits like I Got You Babe, If I Could Turn Back Time and of course Believe. If one Cher wasn’t enough for you there are three to take us through the passage of time.
This is a fast-paced tale celebrating Cher’s life and achievements. She starts out not wanting to even attend school due to her Armenian heritage, lack of a father, and the ensuing jibes from other pupils. It is heartening to see that her strong mother is there for her throughout her highs and lows, guiding her along the way. There’s humour and some strong language.
We see Cher overcome her fear of singing in front of people, helped by meeting Sonny, who is older than her. Cher is quickly besotted and it’s not long before they’re an item. They enjoy some early success but their fame soon dries up with Sonny begging Cher to give him two years to turn it round. All Cher wants is some money in her pocket but Sonny wants much more. The result, a punishing schedule that sees Cher overworked and undervalued but increasingly famous.
Not content with singing, she turns to acting, winning the Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Moonstruck in 1988. Despite this success she finds herself in a television commercial for hairspray. Fame is indeed a fickle thing.
As a history lover I like the way dancers bring highlight the years on stage, which really helps the audience to understand the chronology of events.
Now Harriett and I both know much more about Cher thanks to this production.
Until January 7, 2023
The Cher Show | Mayflower Theatre | Southampton
