A production that tells the story of a “Goddess of Pop” is swapping the bright lights of Broadway for the seafront of Brighton this autumn.
The Cher Show will head to Theatre Royal Brighton from Tuesday, November 1 to Saturday, November 12 as part of its UK and Ireland tour.
Promising a “party” in the aisles, the two-time Tony Award winning show written by Rick Elice, who is responsible for Jersey Boys, The Addams Family and much more, will be directed by Arlene Phillips and choreographed by Oti Mabuse as it makes its European premiere.
The show follows the American singer and actress’ life from the shy daughter of an Armenian American truck driver to her meteoric rise to fame.
Cher takes the audience by the hand and introduces them to the influential people in her life, from her mother and Sonny Bono to fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie.
The musical is packed with 35 of her biggest hits, including Turn Back Time, I Got You Babe, Strong Enough, The Shoop Shoop Song and Believe.
With over 100 million record sales, an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, three Golden Globes and an award from The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Cher has influenced popular culture more than most.
Her on-screen career started in 1971 with her weekly television show that attracted 30 million viewers a week, and went on to include starring roles in iconic films from Moonstruck, for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress, to Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, which prompted the New York Magazine to state “every single movie—no matter how flawless—would be infinitely better if it included Cher.”
Her "Farewell Tour" became the highest grossing music tour in history – which she followed up with two further sell-out, worldwide arena tours.
She is the only artist in history to have a number one hit in the Billboard chart for six consecutive decades; an achievement that caused Vogue to deem her “eternally relevant and the ruler of outré reinvention”.
And in the 1990s, she established The Cher Charitable Foundation to support causes around the world.
“I have been a fan of Cher since I first heard I Got You Babe in the mid sixties and cannot wait to direct her musical,” said Arlene Phillips.
“I love stories about strong inspirational legends like Cher and I am proud to be joined in the creative team by two women who have already made a huge impact in their careers: Oti Mabuse as choreographer of the many different genres in the show and Gabriella Slade for the iconic costume designs.
“This exciting show will be a non-stop journey of Cher’s rollercoaster life, bringing to the audience Cher’s iconic songs, glorious dance numbers, unique costumes and her epic drama. All they need to do is come along and Believe.”
Oti Mabuse said: “I cannot wait for audiences to see what we’re doing with The Cher Show. Cher’s music covers so many styles, genres and rhythms, which makes it so exciting to choreograph. Every song in the show is a hit and we are going full out with exciting routines and movement. It’s going to be a party!”
Gabriella Slade added: “Cher is quite literally a style icon. Her fashion moments pushed the boundaries of the time and continue to do so.
“I’m so excited to be taking huge influence and inspiration from these looks as I embark on creating the costume design for this new production of The Cher Show.”
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