Based on Baz Luhrmann’s Australian 1992 award-winning worldwide film phenomenon, the show adapted for the stage is currently touring the UK and Ireland till July 2023. It lands in Edinburgh with a star-studded cast, including Kevin Clifton of BBCs Strictly Come Dancing fame and Faye Brooks of ITVs Coronation Street and Dancing on Ice, in the lead roles.
If you are a fan of Strictly I expect you are going to enjoy this show (whatever I say) for Kevin, for the expert dancing, outrageous and pretty revealing costumes and heaps of glitz and glam. The bright and cheesy glamour of the ladies’ sequin and feather costumes marries up nicely to the intentionally badly made and hideously fitted wigs adorning most of the cast. The wigs take a bit of getting used to but are all part of setting the appropriate tone for the show – very firmly tongue in cheek.
In a classic ‘heros journey’ story, Fran, the geeky total dance beginner seeks to team up with mentor Scott, to try to win the upcoming Pan Pacific Dance Championships. Can the apprentice overcome the difficulties and prejudices on her journey, and along the way win the heart of Scott? So far so formulaic.
However, just when you think you have pigeon -holed this one, Luhrmann’s imagination kicks into overdrive. The shift in tone and pace and excitement of this show as it approaches the end of Act 1 is something to behold and as welcome as it is surprising.
Enter Jose Agudo, as Fran’s Spanish father Rico, who decides to give Scott a lesson in how to really dance. And boy does he!! The Pasa Doble is described as a theatrical Latin dance with Spanish and French origins. It is a dramatic dance that tells a story through sharp staccato movements, striking body poses and Flamenco style footwork. In the hands of Agudo it is truly remarkable, not just in being a beautiful creation, but also because with sword like precision it slays the hour of nonsense that has proceeded it. The authenticity of the Spanish bull fighter dance set against the vacuous, fake, back-biting world of Ballroom creates a stunning contrast and it sends the audience off to their interval drinks revitalised and full of hope and enthusiasm for the second half.
Sadly, however there is little development of these themes as the production flounces in rather uninspired fashion to its inevitable conclusions, in what can only be described as perhaps a missed opportunity.
Having said all of that, and without wishing to dwell on the negatives, there are some fine performances here. Gary Davis is always entertaining as the buffoon, Ballroom judge Barry Fife and has a superb singing voice, so not surprising to see his many Operatic credits in the programme.
Faye Brooks as Fran shows her triple threat credentials with an unbelievable strikingly elastic voice which just crushes the middle tones, belts at the top but shows great control in the low register, reminiscent of Edina Menzel. It would be great to see her in more challenging roles.
Likewise, Nikki Belsher and Mark Sangster are totally believable and hilarious as Shirley and Doug Hastings, Scott’s mum and dad. And talking of their lad, Kevin Clifton did put on quite a show, rarely off stage and acting, singing and dancing his way to the Love Is In The Air finale. Which brought the house not so much down, as up off their seats.
Running time – 2hrs 40 minutes including a 15-minute interval
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 9th May 2023
North West End UK Rating:
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