‘Strictly Ballroom: The Musical’ Theatre Royal Plymouth review – Entertainment Focus

Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Strictly Ballroom: The Musical’ is a joyous, breath-taking celebration of dancing history and an absolute must-see of a show.

The iconic Australian ‘90s film, the first created by auteur filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, is directed for the stage by Craig Revel Horwood, who also co-choreographed with Jason Gilkison. Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith star as young dancers Scott and Fran, and the whole production is in perfect hands with this ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ team.

Yet thirty years ago, when Baz Luhrmann’s low-budget film of ballroom dancing champion Scott Hastings and Fran, a beginner dancer, hit the big screen (winning a slew of awards) Strictly Come Dancing wasn’t even in the UK, let alone the 60 countries around the world that has taken this dance show to their heart.

There are two types of audience for this show; those who saw the film in the ‘90s, and those who grew up in a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ era (or people who haven’t yet seen the film).  Whichever age group you’re in, the cast, the music, the riot of colour in this tale of behind-the-curtains ballroom dancing backstabbing immediately draws you in, from Revel Horwood’s insightful, humorous voiceover introduction to the silk swirls and Aussie non-verbal communication in the first dance, right through to the standing ovation from an enraptured audience.

What I really love about this production, from Phil McIntyre Live, is the subtle homage to almost one hundred years of dance, beginning with the captivating Busby Berkeley high-energy circular choreography from the 1940s, where the topographical position of the dancers mattered equally as to what the eye beheld in front of it. Imagine Fred Astaire, as an Aussie, fighting for the champion dance spot, Ginger Rogers stepping savagely into the limelight? 

Then there’s a nod to Gene Kelly, with humour and a ballet-inspired dance scene in the second act, that felt outside of a film and at the same time within it.  Think of the iconic dance sequence bringing in his dance partner Cyd Charisse halfway through ‘Singin’ In The Rain’. Then merge it with a hint of ‘Cabaret’ and the German jazz age as men in their off-white tighty-whiteys seem to appear in ballroom boss’ Barry Fife’s hilarious dream. 

‘Grease’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’ dances find their way into the perfectly choreographed show, most notably a take on the infamous ‘lift’ between Scott and Fran in their dance rehearsals.  Even ‘River Dance’ could be said to have a moment, during the end of both the first and second acts, as a stage full of dancers stomps their way to form a line at the front.  Oh, there’s Stomp, too. 

I especially got lost in the dancing between Jose Agudo’s Rico and Kevin Clifton’s Scott, as the transition from rules-to-heart rhythm occurs through the breathtaking paso doble routine.

Did I mention that ‘Strictly Ballroom’ is a magnificent show?

Then there’s the music. Featuring the iconic ‘Love Is In the Air’, which featured in the original film, as well as songs whose lyrics are chosen to elevate the scene, such as Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’.

I’ve seen a lot of musicals in the last twenty years, and I immediately want to see ‘Strictly Ballroom: The Musical’ again.

‘Strictly Ballroom: The Musical’ is on its first tour of the UK and Ireland.

Cast: Kevin Clifton, Maisie Smith, Nikki Belsher, Mark Sangster, Gary Davis, Quinn Patrick, Oliver Brooks, Jose Agudo, Karen Mann, Kieran Cooper, Maddy Ambus, Agnes Pure, Danielle Cato, Benjamin Harrold, Adam Davidson, Poppy Blackledge, Jessica Vaux, Jasmine Joy and Michelle Buckley Book: Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce Director and Co-Choreograher: Craig Revel Horwood Co-Choreographer: Jason Gilkison Set and Costume Designer: Mark Walters  Theatre: Theatre Royal Plymouth Running Time: 140 minutes Performance dates: 30^th January – 4^th February 2023 Buy Tickets here.