Strictly Ballroom

The cast of Strictly Ballroom The Musical performing Time After Time - photo by Johan Persson.

Strictly Ballroom: the musical

I am a massive fan of the film 'Strictly Ballroom' so was very excited when I heard that the director was working on a musical for the stage so booked up as soon as it  hit the West End. I was not disappointed.

The core story of the film is still there, the sweet romance, the breaking free of the conventions and the comedy parents so film fans will not be disappointed. We had an understudy for Scott Hastings the main protagonist and Dale White did not disappoint, stepping in to both the role and the solo choreography effortlessly. The performances of the acting performers was great with Stephen Matthews as the father doing great work with his small part. I found Anna Francolini and Lauren Stroud a little over the top for me but they pulled it off and the audience loved it.

The dancing was amazing! I am more familiar with ballet/modern dance so it was a real treat to see a different style of dance. Drew McOnie has really created a great visual and athletic style that is amazing to watch but is recognisable to Strictly Come Dancing fans and to those who know the film. Fran's family scenes have been extended and Ivan De Freitas as Fran's father, Merv really shows his skill as an actor and especially as a dancer commanding the scene and holding the audience spellbound.

A special mention for Will Young who sings all the songs live and pull off his Australian accent. He interacts with audience with ease and is on stage all the time which must be tiring but he kept the energy up.

I think my only criticism is that the stage seemed busy with both the live band and large bits of sets always on stage which seemed like it might restrict the dancers a little, even that they had to come on in different ways but it seemed to work and I am sure everyone whats a bigger stage!

The theatre itself is lovely with plenty of toilets and 'at seat service' but the Stalls has the same problem as alot of theatres do in that it doesn't stagger the seats so you can't always see. A great experience and worth a visit.