Anton Du Beke at the Musicals – Theatre Royal, Glasgow

In our fast-paced, technology obsessed world, it is heartening to see that someone is continuing the great tradition of classic light entertainment. Having taken up the mantle of Mr. Showbiz, providing song, dance and banter of the highest quality, Strictly Come Dancing‘s judge, fan favourite as a competitor, the national treasure that is Anton De Beke, has firmly grabbed the title and is on tour with his latest show …At the Musicals. Joining him in this glittering production are Strictly professional Lauren Oakley, singer Lance Ellington and a supporting cast of superbly talented vocalists and dancers, all accompanied by a live band.

The musicals highlighted here are the great and the good of the canon, with selections from: My Fair Lady, Anything Goes, The Sound of Music, Cabaret, Chicago, and the more contemporary Moulin Rouge.

There is a mix of song, dance and chat throughout, but it is Du Beke’s winning personality that weaves the whole endeavour together. In one sequence he quizzes the audience on their favourite shows: Les Misérables– no, not in the show, Grease – no, not in the show, Buddy – no, Phantom – no, Cats – no. The list goes on and on. He then confesses that this has evolved into a part of the show where the band, Du Beke and Ellington try to sing songs not included in the show but maybe should have been. This leads to the pair donning their reading glasses, getting their phones out to Google the lyrics and trying to insert the songs into the programme. When the plan goes awry, the always tuneful Glasgow audience, don’t need any encouragement to step up to the challenge and provide gorgeous vocals on That’ll Be The Day, Singin’ in the Rain and You’re The One That I Want and Summer Lovin’ from Grease.

Each of the members of the cast have the opportunity to shine, in particular Ellington, who surprises and delights in a male version of Defying Gravity, and Oakley who stuns as a vocalist- something, of course, kept under wraps in Strictly, she has a fantastic set of pipes that would be wonderful in a full-length musical. Her dancing, is of course exceptional, as befitting a Strictly finalist.

Du Beke’s easy style and ability to react affably to whatever the audience throws at him is endearing, that coupled with skilful dancing and competent vocals, and a knock-out supporting cast, add up to a winning formula. This is a class act from start to end, more please.

Continues to tour until November 2025 | Image: Contributed