York Theatre Royal – 6th November 2023
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Anton Du Beke, the famous Strictly Come Dancing star, took to the York Theatre Royal stage on Monday night with what promised to be a night of song, dance, and laughter.
Anton took to centre stage to a huge round of applause. Looking dapper, as always, in a sparkly jacket and shiny shoes. He certainly has style with his elegant jackets and suits. Anton was supported throughout the evening by a live eight-piece band, led by Clive Dunstall, a troupe of four female dancers, plus Lance Ellington, his guest singer. What followed was a night of pure entertainment.
Anton is still Mr Twinkle Toes with his ballroom skills. He wowed us with a slow foxtrot, his favourite dance, a waltz, and a superb energetic tango, along with his glorious dancers. What was a surprise for me is his singing ability. He combined his singing and dancing skills with routines and numbers from some classic musicals, such as Chicago and Cabaret.
Strictly singer Lance, son of late band leader Ray Ellington, is the true crooner of the night with his harmonious, silky, jazz voice. As well as his own solo numbers, the pair shared several duets together, The Lady is a Tramp and Me and My Shadow being the highlights. They have great rapport with shared memories, and obviously both have a love of great jazz. The banter between them such fun and you couldn’t help but laugh along with them, especially when they couldn’t keep a straight face whilst attempt to belt out a tune.
As well as all the singing and dancing, Anton encourages the audience to text him any questions. Answering some of the questions raised, plus his own anecdotes, we heard tales about how he started dancing, wardrobe malfunctions and a couple of Strictly tales. The one with Ann Widdicombe was pretty hilarious. He also shared his experiences with Len Goodman and Sir Bruce Forsyth, the latter being his hero.
With so much interaction with the audience you could tell that Anton really appreciates his fans, even when one shouted out that she preferred Lance’s vocals. Lance then proceeded to serenade her. Anton showed a knack for Yorkshire accents and wasn’t afraid to take the mickey out of certain towns and cities, much to the delight of us all. He took his time in engaging, even when things got a bit out of hand, what a pro.
Though Anton was the star of the show, as kept reminding us, marvellous as one audience member shouted out, Lance was his perfect foil. The dancers and band provided the icing on the cake.
It was great to see a packed-out theatre full of eager fans of all ages, both male and female. In York we had an 11-year-old boy in the front row, resplendent in his gold jacket and, at the other end of the row and at the other end of the age range, Doris was proudly wearing her Anton t-shirt. This show appeals to all, it was a night of song, dance, and laughter. It is a good old fun night of variety where Anton is right at home being Mr Entertainer.