Bath Forum – 17th May. Touring until 8th June 2025
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
4****
After a ‘break in service’, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara are back on tour. Promising ‘A Night to Remember’, the show is big on dance, big on music and big on energy. It is a show that appeals to dance fans and big band lovers alike.
As you would expect, Aljaž and Janette have incorporated classic Latin and Ballroom dance into the show and their routines; fulfilling anticipation for stalwart fans and acknowledging the effect that ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has had on UK audiences. However, they have also incorporated opportunities for more dance styles and new stars to showcase their own style and interpretation. Contemporary, Lindy Hop and even Tap dance are featured, supporting their stance that all styles of dance should be celebrated. The supporting dancers embraced the occasion and brought high energy to the stage; the only downside being that we saw less of Aljaž and Janette.
The live music is held together by Tom Seals with his ‘boogie woogie’ style, his live band and singer Jill Marie Cooper. The combined group provide incredible Jazz and Blues style music for songs that include Frank Sinatra classics, Elvis, Michael Jackson and more recent tunes such as Benson Boone’s ‘Beautiful Things’.
Aljaž and Janette have picked out the ‘best in the business’ to support them to deliver a show that feels like a huge jazz bar celebration. They clearly love what they do, have a deep connection with each other and huge respect for the contribution that live music makes to live dance performance.
The show celebrates big band music, a full range of dance styles and ultimately the joy and extra dimension that combining live music and dance brings to a night out. The promise of ‘A Night to Remember’ is fulfilled. All that is missing is a promise that Aljaž and Janette will be back with more shows this year!