Newcastle Theatre Royal – until 22 April. Reviewed by Andrew Bramfitt
Stunning evening leaving everyone out of breath and that was just the audience
Firstly let me confess, I’ve not been a ‘Strictly’ fanatic, sure I knew of it and probably, like many of the millions of viewers, I watched mainly to see which celebrity was being put through their paces and trying to lose their usual persona. Likewise, despite having two daughters who spent years going to dance classes I doubt I’d be able to tell the difference between a Pasadoble from a Chicken Passanda so the chance to go and see Keep Dancing at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal was as much education as it was entertainment.
Boasting a cast of super fit and talented dancers and backed by singing duet Harriet Mullen and Adam Warmington, Keep Dancing brings a hyper energetic look into modern and contemporary ballroom and Latin dance which, after just the first number, leaves the audience more out of breath than the dancers themselves. Brilliantly choreographed by Emma Rogers and Robin Windsor to incorporate easily recognised pop, traditional Latina and Spanish and some very modern interpretation, each number aims to surpass the previous for style and energy. Themed sections include Glenn Miller Jive, Showtunes, Disco and South American.
Guesting on this tour are Strictly superstars Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Robin Windsor, 3 performers for whom the term ‘dancer’ just isn’t enough to do justice to their talents. Following routines so complex that they would test a super computer, they manage to imbibe each number with passion, humour, tragedy and pathos, creating a miniature play within the 3 or 4 minutes on stage. Each have a tremendous pedigree and clearly enjoy bringing their own characters to the fore – playful, sultry, sexy and powerful.
Costumes are, as one would expect, bright, flamboyant and very sparkly. The guys’ shirts seem to all miss most of their buttons (meaning they are open to the waist) whilst the girls frocks are, in the interests of safety, short and tight to avoid any trip hazards – at least that’s what I told my niece when she asked why they were so revealing.
Harriet and Adam deliver a good background of live singing. Sure, there are some numbers which have clearly been chosen for the dance routine rather than being a great song to sing but having live backing adds an extra layer to the evening.
As always, Newcastle Theatre Royal and the FOH team deliver a great theatre experience, brilliant sight lines and an inclusive evening for everyone.