Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until Saturday 25th February 2023
Reviewed by Emma Barnes
4****
Baz Luhrmann´s Strictly Ballroom The Musical waltzed into Southampton last night. Based on the Australian cult classic 1990’s movie, the musical is Directed and Co Choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood.
The story follows rebellious ballroom dancer Scott Hastings (ex Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton) who’s dance steps do not conform with the Australian Dance Federation rules. He partners with novice flamenco dancer Fran (Poppy Blackledge) in a Romeo and Juliet-esque tale of a meeting of minds and then hearts of two people from different walks of life.
Their journey gives an interesting insight into the world of professional competitive dancing, which includes all of the glitz and glamor that you would expect combined with the backstage politics, issues and challenges that are hidden behind the ‘happy face’.
Poppy Blackledge put on a brilliant performance as Fran as understudy for Maisie Smith. Poppy acted, danced and sung to perfection, really bringing the character to life to the point that had we not known in advance that she was an understudy we certainly wouldn’t have guessed.
Obviously in a show like this the dancing was nothing short of masterful. The costumes were also spectacular and the vocals didn’t disappoint. For us, the highlight of the show was the Paso Doble which came almost by surprise and was performed by Jose Agudo (Rico) with breathtaking sharpness and drama. The set was a creative masterpiece, with magnificent ostrich feathers encircling the cast offset by ingenious pieces of scenery dropping down seamlessly and a glitter ball taking centre stage for the duration. The set did a great job to mirror scenes from the movie, particularly the rooftop scenes.
Strictly Ballroom is a feel good love story about taking a leap of faith. Throw in a bedazzling mix of costume, dance, comedy and a few well known songs and it’s a recipe for a great show. We thoroughly recommend it.