THEATRE REVIEW: Strictly Ballroom - The Grand Theatre, Leeds.

I’m the first to admit that, for the most part, Mondays are the absolute worst – but they’re made infinitely better when you’ve a show to look forward to. As a huge fan of both musical theatre and ballroom this show was an absolute no brainer for me; add to the mix a Strictly Come Dancing professional as part of an insanely talented cast and you’ve basically hit the jackpot straight from the start. I’d seen the show before, however this was many moons ago (and I’ve slept since then) but this rendition isn’t one I’ll be forgetting any time soon.

Picture the scene – 1990s Australia, and the cutthroat world of ballroom dancing. ‘Strictly’ might be the perfect show to curl up on the sofa with on a Saturday night – after all tight Lycra, sequin dresses and a sea of gyrating hips is absolute peak entertainment – but the show gives us an insight into the ballroom backstage and the cohort of characters that come with it.

‘Strictly Ballroom’ follows rebellious dancer Scott Hastings (Kevin Clifton) as he battles with rules and tradition by dancing his own ‘new steps’ in a bid to shake up the monotony of the ballroom world; even more so when he chooses to dance with Fran, (Faye Brookes) a quiet and unassuming beginner who shares his passion. In classic rom-com fashion we see their ‘forbidden’ romance blossom as their love of the art brings them together, until they can eventually prove that you don’t need to keep your steps ‘simply ballroom’ to wind up on top, and winning isn’t everything when you can fight for what you really believe in.

The chemistry between the two leads is electric – love is definitely in the air for one of the most believable onstage romances I’ve ever seen, which was understandable because I fell in love with the leads too. Clifton was step perfect as always, and I was blown away by his voice, too – seems there’s nothing the man can’t do! I knew his dancing would be something to write home about, but his genuine and heartwarming performance was a pleasant surprise. The same was true for his leading lady; having seen Brookes perform before I knew what a talent she was as a headstrong lead, but seeing her bring to life wallflower Fran and bring the character full circle really was beautiful. Her bumbling awkwardness and inability to read a room were painfully accurate – we've all been a Fran at one point or another. The two together are a real tour de force, and you can’t help but root for them.

They are, of course, supported by a marvellous ensemble – the choreography did NOT disappoint (we have ballroom legend Craig Revel Horwood to thank for that) and the entire cast never put a perfectly pointed toe out of line. A clear highlight was the spectacular paso doble dance off, with Fran’s father Rico (Jose Agudo) showing Scott how it’s really done. Nikki Belsher and Mark Sangster were absolute comedy gold as Shirley & Doug Hastings, and we were treated to a self-loving villain in all his glory in Barry Fife, played by the wickedly devious Ben Harrold.

 And the classic ballroom beauty wasn’t amiss either, with stunning costume and set design from Mark Walters. I used to spend my Saturday evenings watching Strictly Come Dancing religiously and was head over heels in love with the glitz and glamour of the flowing ballgowns and the sparkles as far as the eye could see, so this was a bit of a fever dream for me.

It isn’t often that I find myself without a single bad word to say about a show, but this one really did tick all the boxes for me. Like a middle-aged magpie, I’m a sucker for a rom-com and anything shiny so for me, this was the perfect way to spend an evening. It’s a bit of a whistle stop tour as they’re only in town until July 8th, so best to boogie on over to the box office and snap up a ticket – I guarantee you’ll have a ball!

Reviewer - Hazel Kaye
on - 3/7/23