REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
DIVERSITY
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
22nd March 2024
NINTH SOUTHEND SHOW ADDED
AT THE CLIFFS PAVILION
TO BIGGEST TOUR YET ACROSS THE UK AND IRELAND
OVER 120,000 TICKETS ALREADY SOLD
TICKETS ON SALE HERE
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
DIVERSITY
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
22nd March 2024
NINTH SOUTHEND SHOW ADDED
AT THE CLIFFS PAVILION
TO BIGGEST TOUR YET ACROSS THE UK AND IRELAND
OVER 120,000 TICKETS ALREADY SOLD
TICKETS ON SALE HERE
You couldn’t help but notice the anticipation in the air whilst waiting for the opening of Diversity’s latest touring dance show at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend. Although the tour has already got over 60 dates behind it, there are still many more to go and 9 of them will be at Southend. I believe this is the most times one production has played at the same venue. Quite a feat and this rather fittingly, as Southend is Diversity’s hometown with the Diversity Studio now situated in the town; and the home crowd were out in force to support their very own.
With director, writer and choreographer, Ashley Banjo, having recently injured his leg during one of the shows in February, and having to postpone three shows to get back to fitness, it was a huge relief to see him back to full health at Southend, looking and dancing better than ever.
Supernova tells the story of an 8 year old boy with a dream of exploring the stars and relives that time when, as a child, you were able to let your mind run free without any fear or doubt, but with lots of hope and wonder. It’s a cleverly constructed storyline accompanied by some out-of-this-world dance routines that give tremendous kudos to choreographic skills of Ashley and assistant choreographer, Perri Kiely; both of whom feature heavily in this production alongside Jordan Banjo and the rest of the familiar faces of the Diversity Troupe, who all seemed to have their own individual fan club in the audience. Every single one of them looks as though they have been drilled to perfection with dance moves that look exhaustingly brilliant and timed to perfect synchronicity.
It wouldn’t be a Diversity gig without thumping beats and music that lends itself so well to the style of dance that Diversity do so brilliantly but it’s also great to see the genre of spoken word brought in to complement the flow of the story. Dujon ‘Scoop’ Thompson aka Big Scoop has a demanding stage presence and helps to narrate the story, which leads to Ashley’s character ending up in hospital in a coma and giving us an interesting insight to the workings of this character’s brain.
The lead up to this is a pretty crazy ride and could be considered quite dark in places but there are certainly lighter moments too, not least with a fantastic routine involving a flashback to the period in time when the Powerpuff Girls, Power Rangers and Pokemon were all on our tv screens.
There’s also a Keystone cops black and white skit with plenty of slapstick to entertain the older generation of Diversity fans that were in the audience. And that’s the joy of Diversity - they have the ability to entertain every age group, from 4 years old to 94 years old. Banjo’s writing and choreography has the ability to reach out at every level yet still be able to pack a punch when needed, evoking moments of raw emotion as well as making us laugh and smile.
Sergio ‘Checho’ Carvajal makes a bold appearance with some breathtaking breakdance moves, proving that having a disability doesn’t have to restrict you. The Ill Abilities performer is truly a talent and an inspiration.
Speaking to Ashley after the press night show on Friday, he told me that Supernova from concept to fruition, took him just 7 weeks to produce. The man’s a flipping genius! Having watched the show in complete awe at the sheer skill and talent of the performers, let alone the artistry, set design, graphic design, music choices and technical wizardry that is needed for this show, you can’t help but wonder just what more could be achieved with Banjo's bigger ideas, a bigger budget and a bigger residency. This show, Diversity's biggest yet, is the standard of production that you would easily expect to see in Vegas; I can’t even imagine where Banjo’s dreams will take them next.
Just like a Supernova, this star of a show won’t fade quietly into the dark fabric of space and time, but will go on kicking and screaming, giving audiences unparalleled brightness and brilliance. You don’t need a telescope to enjoy this super, Supernova!
Review: Kim Tobin
With director, writer and choreographer, Ashley Banjo, having recently injured his leg during one of the shows in February, and having to postpone three shows to get back to fitness, it was a huge relief to see him back to full health at Southend, looking and dancing better than ever.
Supernova tells the story of an 8 year old boy with a dream of exploring the stars and relives that time when, as a child, you were able to let your mind run free without any fear or doubt, but with lots of hope and wonder. It’s a cleverly constructed storyline accompanied by some out-of-this-world dance routines that give tremendous kudos to choreographic skills of Ashley and assistant choreographer, Perri Kiely; both of whom feature heavily in this production alongside Jordan Banjo and the rest of the familiar faces of the Diversity Troupe, who all seemed to have their own individual fan club in the audience. Every single one of them looks as though they have been drilled to perfection with dance moves that look exhaustingly brilliant and timed to perfect synchronicity.
It wouldn’t be a Diversity gig without thumping beats and music that lends itself so well to the style of dance that Diversity do so brilliantly but it’s also great to see the genre of spoken word brought in to complement the flow of the story. Dujon ‘Scoop’ Thompson aka Big Scoop has a demanding stage presence and helps to narrate the story, which leads to Ashley’s character ending up in hospital in a coma and giving us an interesting insight to the workings of this character’s brain.
The lead up to this is a pretty crazy ride and could be considered quite dark in places but there are certainly lighter moments too, not least with a fantastic routine involving a flashback to the period in time when the Powerpuff Girls, Power Rangers and Pokemon were all on our tv screens.
There’s also a Keystone cops black and white skit with plenty of slapstick to entertain the older generation of Diversity fans that were in the audience. And that’s the joy of Diversity - they have the ability to entertain every age group, from 4 years old to 94 years old. Banjo’s writing and choreography has the ability to reach out at every level yet still be able to pack a punch when needed, evoking moments of raw emotion as well as making us laugh and smile.
Sergio ‘Checho’ Carvajal makes a bold appearance with some breathtaking breakdance moves, proving that having a disability doesn’t have to restrict you. The Ill Abilities performer is truly a talent and an inspiration.
Speaking to Ashley after the press night show on Friday, he told me that Supernova from concept to fruition, took him just 7 weeks to produce. The man’s a flipping genius! Having watched the show in complete awe at the sheer skill and talent of the performers, let alone the artistry, set design, graphic design, music choices and technical wizardry that is needed for this show, you can’t help but wonder just what more could be achieved with Banjo's bigger ideas, a bigger budget and a bigger residency. This show, Diversity's biggest yet, is the standard of production that you would easily expect to see in Vegas; I can’t even imagine where Banjo’s dreams will take them next.
Just like a Supernova, this star of a show won’t fade quietly into the dark fabric of space and time, but will go on kicking and screaming, giving audiences unparalleled brightness and brilliance. You don’t need a telescope to enjoy this super, Supernova!
Review: Kim Tobin
|
|
|
ABOUT DIVERSITY
Diversity took the nation by storm when they won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and have since sold out multiple UK and Irish tours, with countless television and live performances. Alongside their Supernova tour, and in keeping with their progressive, innovative nature, Diversity recently launched Diversity Studios in their native Essex, offering in person and live streamed dance classes.
Earlier this year, Ashley Banjo was awarded an MBE for his services to dance. Alongside choreographing and performing with Diversity, Ashley has been committed to educating people on dance, becoming a judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice and offering his expertise as a host and creative in the BAFTA nominated The Real Full Monty and International Emmy Award, Broadcast Award, and Royal Television Society Award winning The Real Full Monty: Ladies Night. Ashley also had the honour of becoming a co-presenter at the Pride of Britain Awards, working alongside Carol Vorderman.
Jordan Banjo has also hosted a variety of TV shows, including two series of BBC 1’s Primetime and BAFTA-nominated show The Greatest Dancer and recently was runner up on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity South Africa. Jordan along with Perri Kiely are also part of breakfast radio royalty, presenting Kiss Breakfast every weekday.
Diversity’s illustrious career shows how they continue to innovate, grow, and achieve. Collectively Diversity recently won Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment of 2020 at the British Academy Television Awards for their incredible Britain’s Got Talent routine, watch here.
Diversity’s sold-out Connected tour last year combined playful, comedic routines with powerful statements on human connectivity. Big, relentless and energetic, the tour dazzled fans across the UK.
DIVERSITY – SUPERNOVA UK TOUR
VIP packages are available via www.sjm-vip.com
2024
Fri 22 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion
Sat 23 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion - MATINEE + EVENING
Sun 24 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion - MATINEE
Tue 26 Mar Ipswich Regent
Wed 27 Mar Ipswich Regent
Fri 29 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion
Sat 30 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion - MATINEE + EVENING
Sun 31 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion – MATINEE + EVENING SHOW ADDED
Tue 02 Apr Guildford G Live
Wed 03 Apr Guildford G Live
Thu 04 Apr Guildford G Live
Sat 06 Apr Wolverhampton Civic Hall – MATINEE
Sun 07 Apr Hull Bonus Arena – MATINEE
Mon 08 Apr Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Tue 09 Apr Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Thu 11 Apr Eastbourne Congress Theatre
Fri 12 Apr Eastbourne Congress Theatre
Sat 13 Apr Eastbourne Congress Theatre
Diversity took the nation by storm when they won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and have since sold out multiple UK and Irish tours, with countless television and live performances. Alongside their Supernova tour, and in keeping with their progressive, innovative nature, Diversity recently launched Diversity Studios in their native Essex, offering in person and live streamed dance classes.
Earlier this year, Ashley Banjo was awarded an MBE for his services to dance. Alongside choreographing and performing with Diversity, Ashley has been committed to educating people on dance, becoming a judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice and offering his expertise as a host and creative in the BAFTA nominated The Real Full Monty and International Emmy Award, Broadcast Award, and Royal Television Society Award winning The Real Full Monty: Ladies Night. Ashley also had the honour of becoming a co-presenter at the Pride of Britain Awards, working alongside Carol Vorderman.
Jordan Banjo has also hosted a variety of TV shows, including two series of BBC 1’s Primetime and BAFTA-nominated show The Greatest Dancer and recently was runner up on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity South Africa. Jordan along with Perri Kiely are also part of breakfast radio royalty, presenting Kiss Breakfast every weekday.
Diversity’s illustrious career shows how they continue to innovate, grow, and achieve. Collectively Diversity recently won Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment of 2020 at the British Academy Television Awards for their incredible Britain’s Got Talent routine, watch here.
Diversity’s sold-out Connected tour last year combined playful, comedic routines with powerful statements on human connectivity. Big, relentless and energetic, the tour dazzled fans across the UK.
DIVERSITY – SUPERNOVA UK TOUR
VIP packages are available via www.sjm-vip.com
2024
Fri 22 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion
Sat 23 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion - MATINEE + EVENING
Sun 24 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion - MATINEE
Tue 26 Mar Ipswich Regent
Wed 27 Mar Ipswich Regent
Fri 29 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion
Sat 30 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion - MATINEE + EVENING
Sun 31 Mar Southend Cliffs Pavilion – MATINEE + EVENING SHOW ADDED
Tue 02 Apr Guildford G Live
Wed 03 Apr Guildford G Live
Thu 04 Apr Guildford G Live
Sat 06 Apr Wolverhampton Civic Hall – MATINEE
Sun 07 Apr Hull Bonus Arena – MATINEE
Mon 08 Apr Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Tue 09 Apr Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Thu 11 Apr Eastbourne Congress Theatre
Fri 12 Apr Eastbourne Congress Theatre
Sat 13 Apr Eastbourne Congress Theatre
Diversity have also confirmed that they will be supporting anti-poverty charity the Trussell Trust, which provides emergency food and support to people locked in poverty while campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. Right now, millions of people across the country are facing a cost-of-living crisis as food and energy prices soar and families are feeling the biggest squeeze on incomes in a generation. Attendees on the tour are being invited to bring along food donations to the shows, where there will be collection points across the venue each night. There will also be collection buckets for any cash donations. All donations will be distributed to people in crisis across the 1,300 food bank centres in the Trussell Trust network. For more information on the items that are requested: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate-food/.
INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK TIKTOK
INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK TIKTOK