Grand Opera House York – until Saturday 29th April 2023
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
Based on the 1992 Baz Luhrmann film of the same name, Strictly Ballroom is currently playing at the Grand Opera House in York as part of its UK tour. Directed and co-choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and starring Kevin Clifton in the main role, this show is a huge draw for any Strictly Come Dancing fan.
Set in Australia, it tells the story of Scott Hastings (Clifton), a talented dancer and would be champion, who has been dancing since the age of six. He is frustrated, wants to rebel, and break free from the constraints of traditional ballroom dancing. After his latest competition and show of flashy, crowd-pleasing steps, he falls out of favour with not only his partner, who refuses to dance with him again, but with the Australian Dance Federation. Up steps Fran (Faye Brookes) the meek, downtrodden, overlooked beginner at his mother’s dance studio. She comes out of her shell, pushing herself forward, wanting to dance with Scott, his way, where they connect in more ways than just dancing.
Just like the film, the characters on stage are larger than life, everything over the top. None more so Nikki Belsher as Scott’s mum. She provided some fantastic comedic moments with her interactions between her son and husband Doug, played by understudy James McHugh.
Kevin Clifton is the complete package and the role as Scott Hastings is made for him. Not only is he a fabulous dancer, as we all know, but his vocal and acting skills are impressive, his Aussie accent was the best on stage and never faltered. He gave a strong and vigorous performance and must have been exhausted by the end. Faye Brookes blossomed as Fran. Her singing skills are second to none and she is a true musical theatre star, in such a neat bundle.
I must admit I rewatched the film before I saw it at the theatre and this show is pretty faithful to the film. It has the added bonus of the cast singing some of the music from the film, Time After Time, Love Is In The Air, and Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps, but in Spanish, which were crowd pleasers, plus some original numbers.
The highlight of the show comes at the end of act one when Scott meets Fran’s family. After being laughed at for his weak attempt at dancing, he is shown how to dance the paso doble with heart. The energy, vitality, and pure power displayed on stage by everyone was electrifying, this is worth the price of a ticket alone.
The dancing is quite spectacular from all involved, especially Clifton and Stylianos Thomadakis, who stepped into the role as Fran’s father, Rico. He grabbed every moment by the horns. It is full of dance, with the ensemble constantly returning to the stage, all playing their part with gusto. All those hips certainly don’t lie. The bright glitzy costumes are visually stunning. Also, big shout out to the terrible wigs in the show, these are obviously homage to the film, though Barry Fife’s toupee was a bit disappointing in the melee towards the end.
It’s a romcom with a couple of baddies thrown in. It is a fun show, but it is also tender, with sweet vulnerable moments. Yes, it’s a bit cheesy and over the top, at times not particularly pc, but it hits the mark as a feel-good show that leaves you with a smile.
A fab-u-lous show that is a 10 from me. Just my kind of theatre.