Review: The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Trial Musical in Norwich

This question is posed by Diana Vickers' Gwyneth Paltrow halfway through this joyously silly show based on the infamous trial in which retired optometrist Terry Sanderson attempted to sue the movie star for skiing into him on the slopes of Utah.

The answer - gay men - is revealed by Kristen Fangirling, Sanderson's Paltrow-obsessed lawyer who is played by the hilarious Tori Allen-Martin.

Diana Vickers during rehearsals (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre) The four-strong cast are all excellent singers and extremely comfortable and confident on stage.

The show is previewing at Norwich Theatre Playhouse before it heads to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe next month. 

READ MORE: Strictly star and West End plays among new shows heading to Norwich

The clever one-hour musical captures all the most bizarre moments from the trial, from Paltrow asking if she could bring in gifts for the courtroom to being asked if she is friends with Taylor Swift.

It is fast-paced with nods to recent pop culture events such as the Glasgow Willy Wonka experience and Netflix's Baby Reindeer, with plenty of RuPaul's Drag Race references too.

Tori Allen-Martin, Idriss Kargbo and Marc Antolin (l-r) during rehearsals (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre) In one number about high court fashion, the judge - played by the fabulous Idriss Kargbo - jumps into splits and death drops while Vickers plays the trumpet. 

Vickers captures the essence of Paltrow and her voice has got even better since her days on The X Factor.  

By the end of the musical, Vickers had really settled into her role and the dynamic between Gwyneth and obsessed lawyer Kristen was very strong. 

Marc Antolin as Terry and Tori Allen-Martin as lawyer Kristen during rehearsals (Image: Supplied by Norwich Theatre) Paltrow's famous whisper of "I wish you well" is the closing finale and many in the audience gave the performance a standing ovation. 

The writers and cast have really nailed the camp satire of this iconic pop culture moment.

The musical was silly in an elevated and intelligent way and I would highly recommend a visit to the Playhouse if you are looking for a feel-good night full of laughter. 

Book tickets at norwichtheatre.org