Kylie Minogue to appear digitally in new Stock Aitken Waterman musical | Theatre

Kylie Minogue is to step back in time for a new musical featuring the songs of Stock Aitken Waterman that shot her to chart success in the late 1980s. The Australian singer, currently enjoying a summer hit with Padam Padam, will “digitally appear” throughout the tour of the show, playing what is described as “a specially created character unique to the musical”.

I Should Be So Lucky: The Stock Aitken Waterman musical is written and directed by Debbie Isitt whose series of Nativity! films also inspired a stage musical. The show uses more than 25 numbers created by the songwriting and production trio Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman, including the title song from 1987 which brought Minogue her first UK No 1 hit.

The musical – which Minogue described as “compelling, funny and heartfelt” – also features songs recorded by Jason Donovan (Too Many Broken Hearts), Rick Astley (Never Gonna Give You Up) and Bananarama (Love in the First Degree). Its story revolves around a young couple, played by Lucie-Mae Sumner and Billy Roberts, whose plans to get married are derailed. The choreographer is Jason Gilkison, creative director of Strictly Come Dancing. It will open at the Manchester Opera House on 2 November before embarking on a tour set to end in Aberdeen on 4 May.

“We have been approached many times over the years to authorise a musical using the songs from the Stock Aitken Waterman catalogue and have always resisted, until now,” said Mike Stock. “What Debbie, Jason and the team behind the show have created is a truly original and shamelessly enjoyable rollercoaster ride through our hits.”