The Glasshouse Gateshead – Saturday 31st October 2026
Reviewed by Sandra Little
5*****
Legends in Vegas After Hours is undoubtedly a high octane, high energy experience full of glitz and glamour. The main stars of this production are professional dancers from past Strictly Come Dancing series including Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite. However it must be said that the dancing from the female dancers accompanying the stars is equally professional and of an incredibly high standard.
The show includes some fabulous costumes with masses of sequins, glitter and glamour. It opens with a routine involving gorgeous pink costumes and huge feather fans. For other numbers the girls are seen wearing beautiful flowing gowns that enhance the elegant dance moves and other styles that highlighted the fantastic footwork.
As would be expected from such an incredibly talented team the dancing is amazing! To describe the performances as, “high energy” doesn’t come close! There are high kicks aplenty, some jaw dropping, heart stopping, acrobatics and a sprinkling of amazing lifts. There is a great variety of dance styles woven into this show, including foxtrot, jive, quick step and waltzes and these dances convey a range of emotions. There are some fun routines, some very tender emotional routines and others that are highly energetic and exciting. Accompanying the various dances we were treated to a broad range of musical styles including Moonlight Sonata, a medley of Frankie Valli hits, songs from Barry Manilow and various other well known tunes.
While I was watching this show I was wondering which dance and dancer would be my favourite but I soon decided that it would be impossible and unfair to choose a favourite. There was a great jive routine performed to the music of Tina Turner, and a beautiful dance which accompanied Elton John’s Your Song. Another stand out performance for me was the routine that accompanied Unchained Melody; this was like watching a very emotional ballet and was quite beautiful!
As would be expected the lighting for this show added to the glitzy glamorous feel and the changing backdrops enhanced the Vegas theme. Whilst the lighting was a significant part of the show it didn’t detract from the brilliant dancing.
If you are looking for a couple of hours of pure escapism from the daily troubles of the world then I would unreservedly recommend this show. It’s a two hour experience of pure joy where the daily grind of the real world is put on hold for a while! Such a delight!
This tour is visiting various locations and ends in Cardiff on 8th November.