In a nutshell, it’s a musical variation of Baz Luhrmann’s initially film struck about a defiant ballroom dancer Scott Hastings (previous Strictly Come Dancing pro Clifton) who defies all the guidelines to do things his method, signing up with forces with an unforeseen dance partner in mousey Fran (previous Strictly finalist and EastEnders star Smith). It’s Romeo and Juliet Australian-design however nobody passes away.
All really amazing on a Monday night in Truro, other than the very first 20 minutes or two weren’t that amazing. It felt doing not have – all a bit OTT, shouty and over-egged, with some off-key singing in the opening number. I had a terrible sensation I was going to need to go the complete Revel Horwood and offer the program a sour-faced low rating.
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However, things enhanced – strongly so. I can report Clifton and Smith can both sing and there’s a beautiful chemistry in between them. She is especially wonderful when it concerns the uncomfortable physical funny aspects and, naturally, everybody likes it when Clifton shakes his things.
But Strictly Ballroom isn’t almost the 2 leads – this is quite an ensemble piece. The business of dancers/singers are excellent, each with a well specified character in a program which is peppered with laugh aloud minutes because straight-talking Aussie method – anticipate a flurry of eff-words. Watch out for a naughty dance including the guys in Y-fronts with some great butt sports.
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Operatic Gary Davis is exceptional as much-feared dance judge Barry Fife, and Nikki Belsher and Mark Sangster stand apart as Scott’s moms and dads; her all aggressive dance mum and him coy and peaceful, up until a 2nd half discovery. Karen Mann, who plays Fran’s Spanish granny, has a lot of techniques up her sleeve, carrying out a terrific Latin-tinged variation of Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps and even playing a trumpet later on in the program.
It’s worth the cost of a ticket alone for completion of the very first half when flamenco dancer and choreographer Jose Agudo (as Fran’s disapproving dad) carries out a spectacular paso doble, which constructs to a thrilling, enthusiastic dance including the whole cast. He was the star of the program for me.
The music is a well-measured mix of tunes we already understand (Time After Time and Love Is In The Air as included in the initial movie) and originals, much of which are co-written by Luhrmann himself).
We all require a little bit of an escape at the minute, and this is a completely glittery and lycra had actually up method of investing 2 and a half hours today.
Hats off to the Hall for Cornwall for staging some extraordinary productions already in 2023 – An Inspector Calls wowed audiences last month and Motionhouse’s modern dance program Nobody recently was among the best, and the majority of mesmerising, things I’ve ever seen at the location.
Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical continues at the Hall for Cornwall up until Saturday, February 11.
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