Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square – Booking until January 2022
Reviewed by Charlotte McWilliam
5*****
From bottoms to bottomless Prosecco, Magic Mike Live was nothing short of a wonderful night out – just what’s needed to raise the spirits….and the heart rate!
Set at London’s Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, this exhilarating show is donned as the “3rd movie” by Channing himself. Magic Mike (the movie) is loosely based on the experiences of Channing Tatum as an 18 year old stripper and evolved into the live show, firstly on stage in Las Vegas before coming to London in 2018.
This Cabaret come strip show is highly entertaining from the moment the lights come on. The energy and enthusiasm of the cast members oozes with every hip thrust and sweetheart stare. The story is based on a waiter called Michelangelo who is plucked from the audience by Emcee host, Sophie Linder-Lee, and taught to dance and strip. Linder-Lee is really the glue of the whole performance with her broad northern accent and incredibly crude jokes, she caters to the masses and makes the audience feel included throughout.
The choreography by Alison Faulk and Luke Broadlick is impressive, with a largely hiphop feel each dancer also has their time to shine with their own solo showing off their individual dance genre. This is supported brilliantly with Jack Rayners music production. Cast member Aaron Witter particularly stood out for me during these solos however Harry Carter, with his Channing look alike features and electrifying ego really took the limelight with the audience on the whole. The unison dances were by far the most impressive and the sheer amount of testosterone coming from the stage was more than gratefully received by the audience.
The Old School opening was highly comparable to the YMCA. Marina Toybina’s costume design insured that cast members had individual identities throughout, however there was something completely euphoric when the guys were dressed – or should I say undressed – in the same manhood covering smalls….for want of a better word.
As the show continues into the second half, Mike really starts to excel in his new found dance abilities. His dance solo entitled “Female Appreciation”, accompanied by James Bay’s Wild love, is highly contemporary in style yet still has hip hop subtleties. Mike’s bare torso and incredible talent were particularly breathtaking to watch during this emotive piece of choreography. Senses continue to heighten as the only other female cast member, Hannah Cleeve, is innocently plucked from the audience to be Mike’s dance partner. The “Wet Scene” that follows is nothing short of mind blowing. The use of aerial silks are successfully used throughout but it’s at this point that the scenic design really excels. A bed like structure appears on the stage and it begins to rain. Bright yet seductive lighting hosts Mike and Hannah as they begin the most tantalising routine I have ever seen outside of the bedroom. From impressive lifts, passionate embraces and a lot of wet hair flicking, the audience really are transported to ultimate ecstasy.
From the highly attentive staff at the Hippodrome Casino to the versatility of talent on stage, Magic Mike Live is really one not to be missed, so go on, treat yourself! In the words of Channing himself “You are enough”!