Flashdance - The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a pro. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.
Based on the Paramount Pictures film, 'Flashdance' is an inspiring musical about the power of holding onto your dreams and love against all the odds. With phenomenal choreography and an iconic score, including the smash hits; Maniac, Gloria, I Love Rock & Roll and the title track Flashdance - What a Feeling, you're fairly sure you're in for a good ride before the first bar hits.
The big screen version of this show is up there with the best of them. Some would say it's iconic - and the audience this evening were expecting a lot from the production. First things' first - the set is a stroke of genius. Designed to be mobile, it consists of two video screens and two sets of stairs which alter formations to represent different scenes. Adding this dimension allowed the scene changes to be slick and also part of the show itself. Beautifully lit and punctuated with stunning orchestration, it was a welcome alternative to flying boards in from above.
Flashdance is as much (if not more) about dance as it is song. By default, you expect to watch a talented and slick group of professionals - but for me, this production offered so much more.This is the ultimate dance-musical and every performer on stage was so totally focussed and precise that it was obvious they're hooked on the adrenalin rush.
Popstar, Ben Adams and ex-Strictly pro, Joanne Clifton, take the roles of Nick and Alex respectively. First things' first, let's get one thing straight. These pair are not just here to get bums on seats. There was trepidation in the bar before the show, with a worry that 'star' casting may be more in force than ever tonight - but all the naysayers were, by the end of the evening, the same people on their feet, applauding and singing along - because this show is an absolute revelation.
Adam's character is somewhat underused, having a comparatively short stage time. However when he is out there, he's definitely giving it his all. With a voice that puts him far above your standard 'boyband celeb', he's a pleasure to watch.
Then, we come to Joanne Clifton.
The performance Joanne delivered this evening is, out and out, one of my favourite stage performances of anyone this year. Whilst she's clearly a formidable dance - and a world champ and Strictly winner at that - this choreography is so far stretched from ballroom it must be like learning a whole new type of movement. However she takes it in her stride and doesn't put a step wrong.
Her vocal ability is what stunned me the most. I expected her to be good on her feet and I knew she'd performed in musicals before. However it's not her fame that carries her, it's her phenomenal talent as an all round dancer, actress and (stunning) singer. Her ability to take a song to the next level allows you to judge her on an even keel with her contemporaries - indeed I've seen leads in London who were put to shame by Clifton's emotional, funny and charming performance.
Her chemistry with Adams and the rest of the cast just works and put such a big smile on the faces of the audience that a standing ovation was more then richly deserved.
Flashdance - The Musical runs at The New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 9th December. For more information, or to buy tickets, head to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
