Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara are incredible dancers. But then Strictly fans – who surely made up 95 per cent of the audience at Gateshead’s Glasshouse last night – already know that. From the moment they came on stage the husband and wife team’s feet seemed to barely touch the floor in their romantic first number Night & Day.
Janette entered with a graceful sashay and that super shiny dark bob. Aljaž appeared with his trademark wide smile and twinkle which became a gentle wink at the audience. They have real star quality and exude warmth and joy.
Those who have only seen the pair on TV will be struck by the difference in their stature. On Strictly, where both found UK fame as professionals, great efforts are made to team the celebrities with dancers of the same height. But despite Janette’s heels, Aljaž towers above her – and it matters not a jot when both are professionals of such high calibre. Indeed, it must make easier the large number of lifts and spins and “being tossed around”, as Janette puts it.
But dancing, choreography – and TV presenting – are not Janette’s only talents. She surprises those new to the couple’s tours by singing a few songs, well, and in a few cases, dancing at the same time.
There is plenty of banter, about the show and their marriage, in keeping with the couple’s love of laughter evidenced on TV.
The night opened with Tom Seals’ large live band and the talented four-strong dance ensemble who accompany most routines, as well as having moments of their own. Among them, it’s hard to take your eyes off the big smile of the ensemble’s mini-Manrara, pocket rocket Kiera Brunton.
The show must feature at least 60 songs, mostly as part of themed medleys to accompany each section. These have been seamlessly sewn together by musical arranger Jack Tinker.
Each section also comes with a costume change for all the dancers – Janette wears some stunning gowns and suits. The whole wardrobe is kept to the piano keys’ black and white. And there are also new costumes for singer Jill Marie Cooper, whose throaty tones come into their own in the latter half of the show, particularly in Burt Bacharach’s songs.
The show’s conceit is that it is all about the composers and songwriters from Cole Porter to Kate Bush via Quincy Jones, the Beatles and everyone in between. Likewise, most dance styles feature, however briefly, with larger sections of Bob Fosse, modern dance, and a Michael Jackson-themed section.
To bring everything together, singer and pianist Tom Seals is cast as emcee come narrator, listing the great names and engaging in some of the semi-scripted banter, particularly with Aljaž. He plays and sings throughout, also getting some featured songs though little of his greatest strength, boogie woogie.
The band has a drummer, double bass player, trumpeter, sax player, guitarist and Hammond organ player – who is also on guitar – as well as Seals on the piano. All the music is live.
The dancers seemed to do everything in very little space on the Glasshouse’s Hall One stage. Their energy levels are kept high – everyone must have really needed the interval, with each half lasting a full hour. The interval is great for the audience too, as a chance to admire this truly remarkable building and its wonderful views of the Newcastle Quayside.
Reviewed on 22nd April 2026
The Reviews Hub Star Rating
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7
