Based on Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning worldwide film phenomenon, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical has arrived at Birmingham Hippodrome as part of a brand-new UK tour.
Directed by Britain’s best loved TV Judge, Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical follows arrogant, rebellious young ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings (Kevin Clifton, Rock of Ages). When his radical and daring dance style sees him fall out of favour with Australian Federation, he must dance with beginner, Fran (Maisie Smith, Eastenders). Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom!
Featuring smash-hit songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time, as well as all new music written by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect, this show celebrates a phenomenon that's becoming increasingly popular at a time when the country needs it the most.
First thing's first, plot-wise the show doesn't claim to be Sondheim - this is a simple story about a guy battling his demons to go with his heart over his head. However, what it lacks in substance is more than made up for by mesmerising routines performed by a cast who give you real belly laughs teamed with outstanding technical ability. Think Priscilla Queen of the Desert meets Strictly Come Dancing and you're not far wrong!
Everyone on stage, whether they play a serious role or one with a bit more of a comedic slant, is more than deserving of their spot on the cast list - and this is very much an ensemble piece. It just wouldn't work without the mix of performers and the energy each of them brings to the stage.
However, for me, whilst it seems obvious to pick the duo with their names 'above the door', Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith are simply breathtaking in roles which could have been written for them.
Clifton comes with an obvious pedigree. Having been amongst the nations favourite Strictly pro's and a face behind a number of musicals over the last few years, he lived up to the hype with a stage presence that was exactly what the audience was wanting - and they lapped it up. Whilst I don't doubt that this is a demanding piece, Clifton's experience shone through and he proved why he does what he does so well.
However, can we just spend a minute talking about Maisie Smith?! This is Smith's first taste of musical theatre, and she was, quite simply, outstanding. Her voice has such a beautiful tone to it, switching from a fragile vulnerability to a powerhouse belt with ease, her performance as Fran was mesmerising from the first note when she grabbed your attention and didn't let go until the bows.
However that doesn't mean a second of compromise on her ability as a dancer, which saw her more than keep up with Clifton and manufactured a chemistry between the two which was spot on throughout. Smith is far more than a name from the TV to get bum's on seats - this show has given an opportunity to an actor that she's grabbed with both hands and I sincerely hope we see more of Smith on stage in years to come.
Strictly Ballroom: The Musical runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 5th November. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to birminghamhippodrome.com.
