THEY certainly know how to Cher the love.
In this excellent tribute to a musical icon, one leading lady is just not enough.
Having sold 100 million records and won Grammy, Emmy and Academy Awards, Cher is one of the world's best-selling music artists and it was obviously felt that a trio of Chers were needed to do her justice.
READ MORE: Take That musical Greatest Days will be back in Southampton in 2023
In fact, I think Debbie Kurup more than managed with a powerful vocal that perfectly portrayed Cher's later sound, most notably on her 1998 dance pop track Believe.
it’s clear from the start that Kurup is the goddess of this particular trio, who depict different eras from a glittering career, but I loved the unusual dynamic of having three leading ladies, often all on stage at once.
Danielle Steers and Millie O'Connell also have exceptional voices and certainly make their own mark on hit songs including If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, The Shoop Shoop Song and I Got You Babe.
They occasionally step in out of character to narrate key moments and often consult one another as we learn how shy Cherilyn Sarkisian become a singing sensation, a movie star, and a global icon via sometimes questionable relationships with Sonny Bono, Gregg Allman, Robert Camilletti and others.
I did wonder if there were three principals to cope with the costume changes, but even then plaudits must go to the dressers working away at a frenzied pace in the wings.
There were three Chers on stage and many more in the audience. Hyped-up fans could hardly wait for their turn to unleash their inner diva, jump out of their seats and belt out a finale medley of Cher classics.
It takes a talented team to put on such a slick celebration of the life and times of the goddess of pop. Two former Strictly stars - director Arlene Phillips and choreographer Oti Mabuse - certainly had a hand in the dazzling dance moves and I particularly liked the set featuring two giant pillars of faceless Cher wig stands.
The Cher Show runs until Saturday. Tickets from mayflower.org.uk or 023 8071 1811.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here