Last night Eowyn and I were invited to the opening night of Strictly Ballroom Musical, currently showing at Norwich Theatre Royal, but be quick as it’s only here until 15th April! And it’s one you don’t want to miss…
Baz Luhrmann’s smash hit musical Strictly Ballroom is set to sweep audiences off their feet once more when the new 2022/2023 tour, directed by the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood, it began it’s tour in Portsmouth on 26th September 2022. Former Strictly Come Dancing champion, Kevin Clifton stars as Scott Hastings, and he has now been joined on the tour by Faye Brookes as Fran.
The 10 month tour – choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and Strictly Come Dancing’s Creative Director, Jason Gilkison – visits almost 40 venues before culminating in Bristol in July 2023.
Foxtrotting around the UK and Ireland, the show is based on the award-winning, global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that inspired the world to dance and spawned the smash hit TV series ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
What Is Strictly Ballroom About ?
For those that have not seen the film (Eowyn included)…
Strictly Ballroom The Musical tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer.
When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all.
Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom…
Strictly Ballroom Musical Cast
The cast of Strictly Ballroom The Musical includes: Nikki Belsher (Shirley Hastings); Mark Sangster (Doug Hastings); Gary Davis (Barry Fife); Quinn Patrick (Les Kendall); Oliver Brooks (JJ Silvers); Jose Agudo (Rico); Karen Mann (Abuela); Agnes Pure (Liz); Benjamin Harrold (Ken); Jessica Vaux (Charm); Danielle Cato (Tina Sparkle); Kieran Cooper (Wayne); Maddy Ambus (Vanessa); Adam Davidson (Nathan) and Poppy Blackledge (Pam).
The ensemble features Liv Alexander, Edwin Ray, Stuart Rouse, Hollie Jane Stephens, Michelle Buckley, Stylianos Thomadakis, Jasmine Joy and James McHugh.
Last night we got to see Michelle Buckley as Shirley Hastings, Benjamin Harold swapped his role as Ken to play Barry Fife, and Edwin Ray took on the role of Ken, all three did an amazing job and fitted in like full time members of the cast playing those roles.
What Did We think of Strictly Ballroom The Musical ?
I had seen the Strictly Ballroom film as a teenager, but Eowyn had yet to experience this funfest of glitterballs and fake tans, and that was just the male contenders!
The soundtrack that was playing as you entered the theatre was perfect, everyone was either singing along or tapping their feet to the likes of Kylie and Jason.
The recommended age rating for the show is 12+ due to some of the language, and looking around the audience, Eowyn at aged 14 was probably one of the younger ones, but she LOVED it!
The choreography is perfect, as it captures both the traditional feel of times gone by and then the fresh, innovative dance that we are all witnessing on our TV screens each time Strictly shows!
As a young ballroom dancer myself, I love how the more traditional dances have been given an upgrade! Which will ensure that Ballroom Dancing will continue to be taught to future generations, something that was starting to dwindle when I was growing up!
Kevin Clifton was a great choice as Scott Hastings, everyone knew he could dance, but the singing wasn’t half bad either, and he certainly pulled off the arrogant young man to perfection, only letting us see the true side of him on the final part of the dance, as he gestured a cradled baby to the audience, i’m not sure many new dads would be able to pull off an evening of dance as he has!
Faye Brookes was a great casting for Fran, you saw her at the beginning as a shy, geeky learner dancer, general cleaner, who blossoms into a brilliant dancer, she has a beautiful voice that definitely came out of nowhere! It was only when I was checking out their social media did I realise that she has only just joined the cast, although you certainly can’t tell.
However, my stand out performer of the night was most definitely Jose Agudo, who plays Rico, his Pasadoble sent chills through me, I could have watched him all night, such skill and a real passion for the dance he is performing, the scene in the Milk Bar was mesmerising.
If you are looking for a fun evening with lots of glitter, feathers, sequins and glamour, then get yourself down to Norwich Theatre Royal, although be quick as there are not many tickets left.
If you are not local to Norwich but love the sound of Strictly Ballroom Musical, you can check out tour dates and further information HERE