Civic Theatre, Darlington – 11 October 2015
There is nothing better than a bit of nostalgia on a Sunday evening, mix it in with a lot of sparkle, feathers, fabulous singing and outstanding dancing and you have Puttin’ on the Ritz.
With Strictly stars Robin Windsor and Anya Garnis, 10 dancers and 5 multi-talented singers this was a good old fashioned entertainment at its best.
Some of the very best of Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin made it to a stage full of sheer energy, exuberance and downright determination to entertain.
Solos performance included very talented singer and dancer Simon Schofield, Summertime from Lucy Van Gasse and Ricky Rojas wowed us with Minnie the Moocher.
The ensemble excelled in their mass tap dances to Gershwin’s I’ve Got Rhythm and Berlin’s Puttin’ on the Ritz, both exciting, energetic numbers which contrasted with tamer dances like Easter Bonnet.
The sit-down hand jive on the edge of the stage complete with Mexican-wave arms and legs was excellent.
Although a brilliant show there were niggles, the set didn’t add to the show and a live band would have been so much better than backing music. But the performers put so much into it and fans of Strictly will love it, so maybe the the bad bits can be glossed over with the good.
In Darlington until Tuesday 13 October and on tour around the UK