Giovanni, Let Me Entertain You – Floral Pavilion

Strictly Theatre Co. presents a fun filled evening with quite possibly Strictly’s favourite professional dancer, well certainly mine, Giovanni Pernice!

This show proves how he is an all-round entertainer, he is not only a highly talented dancer, but showman and surprisingly a singer too. He charms us with his cheekiness and multiple times showing love for being centre stage by asking the spotlight to be moved etc. This is all done in a charming way and is very likeable in the process. He is joined by a cast of professional dancers and West End performers and a 2-man band. Most noticeably his fellow Strictly Dancer Lauren Oakley, who wowed us just as much. The live music was the icing on the cake, as their vocals brought the roof down.

Giovanni draws us in with his cheeky swag, earning lots of laughs and wolf whistles from his primarily female focused audience. There were a couple of innuendos as he talks to us, but suitable for 8 years upwards still. My highlight of the evening was the 80’s medley, with hits like ‘Alone’ and ‘It’s Raining Men.’ Giovanni goes backstage for this to get soaking wet, with his shirt open to reveal his chest and then cheekily going over to the front of the stage and twirls his wet hair. I’m sure the ladies on the front row didn’t mind being in the splash zone. There was a mix of pre-recorded music tracks for certain routines, but the best ones were the live vocals. Sung by west end performers, their powerhouse vocals heightened the upbeat and dramatic dances. Costumes were well thought out by Matthew Hulme, each adding to the vibe of each piece. This ranged from raunchy fishnets and corsets for the intimate and high kick sequences, to the flowing silky garments for the romantic parts, to then dazzling glittery outfits for the wow factor.

Produced by Paul and Elizabeth Irving, the show was a crowd pleaser for sure. There was no linear story, just each routine having a different dance genre and vibe to it, which meant it was captivating throughout. Alan Burkitt is the Director/Choreographer. I wonder whether it was their decision or Giovanni’s to add the audience participation bit. It was Lauren Oakley who picked the man from the audience. She brought him on stage and asked if he was nervous and to take a seat. The spotlight came on him sat centre stage and dressed in a pink glittery suit and angel wings.

Giovanni joked that the previous night’s audience were whooping and cheering and gave a standing ovation that lasted for 45 minutes. So, when out time came for the last number ‘Proud Mary’ the audience got up from their seats like a Mexican wave to bob along and clap their hands to the beat. A great way to end the show with everyone on stage looking like they also were having a great time.

Giovanni Let Me Entertain You is touring till the end of April, with some venues already sold out. So, book quick if you want to see him in action:

https://www.giovannipernice.com/2024-tickets

Reviewer: Emma Lamb

Reviewed: 31st January 2024

North West End UK Rating: