Strictly Ballroom the Musical – Hull New Theatre

Kevin Clifton aka “Kevin from Grimsby” got a huge cheer from theatregoers in an almost capacity Hull New Theatre, on Monday night, as he stepped on to the stage when Strictly Ballroom the Musical came to town.

Never having seen even one episode of Strictly Come Dancing, the TV show in which Kevin performed and excelled, I had no idea what to expect. But I was more than pleasantly surprised.

For starters, the stage setting was so cleverly designed, changing before our brains (well, mine) registered the difference. All around were what seemed like upright, sprung willow floorboards, arching over at the top with lights, in a palm-tree fashion.

Sections opened and closed throughout the night, creating totally different vistas. The screen backdrop also changed from indoor scenes to outdoor, with no fuss or distracting scene-shifting.

Multi-coloured lighting added to the glorious atmosphere and, throughout, a talented group of musicians played their hearts out to keep us entertained.

All this created the perfect scenario for the most amazing group of performers to razzle dazzle us.

Talking of being dazzled, if I had a £1 for every sequin on show that night, I would be a trillionaire.

The dresses on the dancers were a knock-out – especially the long, floaty, feathery confections in the most glorious colours. The shorter versions were equally glittery.

Strictly, Ballroom the Musical, now touring the UK and Ireland, follows a rebellious young ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings (Clifton) and his quest to dance his own steps in his own way, despite him falling out of favour with the Dance Federation in Australia, where the musical is set.

Despite upsetting his parents, former ballroom dancers themselves, and being laughed at by his peers, Scott takes up with an inexperienced dancer called Fran (Maddy Ambus), in his quest to win the prestigious Pan Pacific Grand Prix dance competition.

Do they win? That would be giving the game away.

All I will say is I witnessed a super-talented group of performers who seemed to enjoy every moment on stage. I couldn’t fault a thing, especially the two lead characters. Clifton and Ambus danced superbly, and both had very good singing voices, too. Plus, their chemistry was undeniable.

There are 21 songs in this musical, some well-known as in Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time, and the 1977 disco song Love Is In The Air; and some new music written by acclaimed artists such as Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.

This show had everything and everyone involved (space prevents me from naming them all) thoroughly deserved the prolonged standing ovation they received from a very happy audience.

Director and co-choreographer Craig Revel Horwood announced pre-show, that we were in for a “fab-u-lous” night. How right he was!

Running until Saturday, March 11th, 2023, 7.30pm nightly with 2.30pm matinees on Thursday, 9th and Saturday, 11th. Tickets cost from £18. To book, call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Reviewer: Jackie Foottit

Reviewed: 6th March 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★