Book: Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce
Director: Craig Revel Horwood
Baz Luhrmann’s 1992 cult film was turned into a full-on musical in 2011, premiered in the United Kingdom in 2016 and the latest incarnation has been doing the rounds for the last couple of years. Now it has arrived at the Lowry to much fanfare. The first night was struck by technical issues causing a twenty-minute delay between the opening number and the continuation of the show, however, the cast did not let this phase them and they continued smoothly once the technical problems were solved.
The plot revolves around young dancer Scott Hastings, who is expected to live up to his mother’s dream of him winning the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Dancing Championship, but he is frustrated by the fixed steps and rules of the dance and wants to dance more expressively. When his partner Liz, drops him because of his need to break the rules, Scott ends up teaching a relative beginner Fran, who is willing to dance his way. As with all love story plots, various spanners are thrown into the works but all works out in the end.
Scott is played in this production by UK Latin champion, ex-Strictly Come Dancing professional and Burn The Floor Alumnus Kevin Clifton. While his dancing prowess is never in doubt, his acting and singing ability while not the most proficient, is accomplished and confident. He almost succeeds in making the audience believe he is in his twenties, but the eyes cannot lie. Fran, the young beginner, is performed by ex-Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes. She is undoubtedly the better actress and singer, but her nasal tones when attempting to sing in an Australian accent is at times unpleasant. When she drops the accent, her beautiful tonal qualities come through. The rest of the cast are all accomplished in their roles despite there being half a dozen understudies in major supporting roles. Nikki Belsher is fantastic as Scott’s over-dramatic mother Shirley and Ben Harrold is an excellent foil as his father Doug. Kieran Cooper is a brilliant stand-in Barry Fine but the real scene stealer is Jose Agudo as Fran’s father Rico. A classically trained and award-winning Flamenco dancer his flamenco solo is the high point of the show – sheer style and technical ability.
Strictly Ballroom uses a flamboyant but very cleverly designed set by Mark Walters enhanced by Richard G Jones excellent lighting. Music was provided by a six-piece band led by Musical Director Dustin Conrad. The music is a combination of pop songs of the era and original numbers which generally flow well.
Overall Strictly Ballroom is light-hearted entertainment, there are some minor issues but as an undemanding but fun night out, it moves in the right direction.
Runs until 1 July 2023
The Reviews Hub Score
Strictly Fun
