A mixture of classic variety acts with a somewhat obscure plot running through the middle, Flirty Dancer is Proud Cabaret’s 1980s-themed approach to narrative cabaret. Across three acts, the show follows the same story as Dirty Dancing, however, it seems to lose sight of its plot very early on, leaving audiences unsure whether there is a story being told at all.
The classic tropes of ‘boy meets girl’ are explored in each act, with the lead cast members, Lilleet Marshall and Kevin Jack, playing two dancers who fall in love. Surrounded by a supporting cast of high-class cabaret acts, such as circus performers Dippy and Dolly, acrobats, burlesque dancers, and magic acts, it seems the plot only makes up a minor part of the show, and is easily overshadowed by the variety of talented performers. While Act 1 has very little story, Acts 2 and 3 give a little more narrative, but the beginning of Act 3 is interrupted by a rather jarring audio message about abortion law and supporting body autonomy, which is then followed up by an interpretive acrobatic routine. While the sentiment of this message is clearly with the best of intentions, it does not fit the overall tone of the show, and brings a rather startling stall to the beginning of the act.
However, the various elements of the show are stitched together flawlessly by compère Aidan Sadler, with their catty, camp commentary. Sadler brings a show-stopping punch to the performance that is more reminiscent of a West End stage, with stunning renditions of some classic 80s songs that hold the energy levels at a dizzying high throughout.
The experience offers dinner alongside the show, from which audiences can choose a vegetarian or non-vegetarian set menu or either three, five, or ten courses. Portions are relatively small but of high restaurant quality, and are delivered to your table to ensure you don’t miss out on any action on stage. Audiences aren’t left without entertainment between acts, with a classic range of songs performed by a live singer, plus magic acts circling tables and an occasional appearance by audience favourites Dippy and Dolly, all of which keep the atmosphere alive
With Flirty Dancer, Proud Cabaret has delivered a classic variety show that has slightly lost its edge by trying to force a story through the middle of it but overall makes for an entertaining evening with some high-quality performances.
Runs until 26 August 2023
