REVIEW
✭✭✭☆☆ 3/5
STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL
20th March – 25th March
Southend, Cliffs Pavilion
STARRING
KEVIN CLIFTON & MAISIE SMITH
DIRECTED BY
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD
CHOREOGRAPHED BY
JASON GILKISON & CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD
STRICTLYBALLROOMTOUR.CO.UK
✭✭✭☆☆ 3/5
STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL
20th March – 25th March
Southend, Cliffs Pavilion
STARRING
KEVIN CLIFTON & MAISIE SMITH
DIRECTED BY
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD
CHOREOGRAPHED BY
JASON GILKISON & CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD
STRICTLYBALLROOMTOUR.CO.UK
The popularity of ITV’s Strictly Come Dancing has launched many a ballroom dancer to fame over the years with lots of the skilled dancers creating and devising their own shows which have successfully toured the country. Audiences can’t seem to get enough. What a lot of people won’t know is that Strictly Come Dancing wouldn’t even be on our TVs, if it wasn’t for the inspiration that Baz Lurhmann’s 1992 film Strictly Ballroom gave to the producers of the popular show.
Back in the nineties, the ballroom dance scene was viewed by many as being incredibly old fashioned and something that only the older generation would be interested in. Luhrman’s movie showed audiences the reality of the ballroom dance halls and, essentially, a glimpse behind the scenes of the melodramas going on behind those big competition smiles. Now, his musical adaption of the film has been reworked to bring these ballroom dramas into theatres across the country.
Kevin Clifton made his professional Broadway debut as principal dancer with Burn the Floor in 2009 and is beginning to carve out a pretty decent career in musical theatre since becoming a household name in Strictly Come Dancing. The role of Scott Hastings, it would seem, should be a perfect fit for him. Likewise, Maisie Smith, an accomplished actress in her own right, who smashed Strictly Come Dancing with her partner, Gorka, to get to the finals, would also seem to be a great fit for the role of Fran.
The show kicks off with the ensemble giving us a real insight into the competitive ballroom world in the Strictly Ballroom number, with some great choreography from Craig Revel Horwood, accompanied by lots of underlying bitchiness and backstage spats between the couples. There are some wonderfully big hair-do’s and mullets that remind you that this is set in the nineties, alongside some super Jane Fonda’esque outfits that will take some back in time. The set is cleverly designed by Mark Walters so that it appears that all the action takes place within a giant glitter ball sphere and the ballroom costumes all look spectacular.
Scott’s ambitious dance school mum is devastated when he gets a little too big for his 'dancing' boots and starts putting his own steps into the routine, losing a competition that would get him on the ladder to compete in the Pan Pacific Finals. His dance partner flounces off and shy Fran, full of bespectacled geekiness and an obvious crush on Scott, decides to bite the bullet and ask him if she can be his partner, despite the fact that she is an absolute beginner. It could possibly be his only answer to getting to the Finals. If only he could keep to the rules and teach Fran to dance like a pro in just 3 weeks. Let the drama ensue.
Interspersed between the fumblings of teaching Fran to dance there are some lovely comedic moments with Maisie’s Fran reminding me a lot of Grace of TV’s Will & Grace with a lovely natural and endearing performance. Kevin does a super job as the arrogant Scott who eventually begins to fall for Fran and of course his dancing is beyond amazing. Both of their vocals could do with a bit more power behind them, however that said they do have a gorgeous duet towards the end of the show in the Beautiful Surprise number which gels beautifully and displays some sweet harmonies.
There are some real over the top characters in this production, not least the creepy Barry Fife, who threatens to disqualify Scott if he doesn’t play by the rules. He even has his own intro song. Jose Agudo and Karen Mann almost steal the show with their nicely played performances as Rico and Abuela, Fran’s father and grandmother. Aguda especially entertains with his fantastic fiery Latino Paso Doblé number.
There are some twists and turns that lead us to the penultimate Pan Pacific Finals number which is quite a showstopper with some outstanding choreography amongst the cast. Danielle Cato as the wonderfully named Tina Sparkle certainly puts in the wow factor.
Some of the original numbers in this production aren’t hugely memorable but these are sprinkled in-between songs like Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, and perhaps the best known song from the film, Love is in the Air which provides the finale with a huge boost. Strictly Ballroom the Musical is full of energy and colour, however, this touring production seems almost to have become a parody of itself, lacking any portrayal of real emotion or the grittiness that the film delivered. That said, the almost packed out Cliffs Pavilion, Southend audience were up on their feet at the end of the show to show their appreciation and I’m sure the rest of the week will continue to bring in a great crowd.
Review: Kim Tobin
Back in the nineties, the ballroom dance scene was viewed by many as being incredibly old fashioned and something that only the older generation would be interested in. Luhrman’s movie showed audiences the reality of the ballroom dance halls and, essentially, a glimpse behind the scenes of the melodramas going on behind those big competition smiles. Now, his musical adaption of the film has been reworked to bring these ballroom dramas into theatres across the country.
Kevin Clifton made his professional Broadway debut as principal dancer with Burn the Floor in 2009 and is beginning to carve out a pretty decent career in musical theatre since becoming a household name in Strictly Come Dancing. The role of Scott Hastings, it would seem, should be a perfect fit for him. Likewise, Maisie Smith, an accomplished actress in her own right, who smashed Strictly Come Dancing with her partner, Gorka, to get to the finals, would also seem to be a great fit for the role of Fran.
The show kicks off with the ensemble giving us a real insight into the competitive ballroom world in the Strictly Ballroom number, with some great choreography from Craig Revel Horwood, accompanied by lots of underlying bitchiness and backstage spats between the couples. There are some wonderfully big hair-do’s and mullets that remind you that this is set in the nineties, alongside some super Jane Fonda’esque outfits that will take some back in time. The set is cleverly designed by Mark Walters so that it appears that all the action takes place within a giant glitter ball sphere and the ballroom costumes all look spectacular.
Scott’s ambitious dance school mum is devastated when he gets a little too big for his 'dancing' boots and starts putting his own steps into the routine, losing a competition that would get him on the ladder to compete in the Pan Pacific Finals. His dance partner flounces off and shy Fran, full of bespectacled geekiness and an obvious crush on Scott, decides to bite the bullet and ask him if she can be his partner, despite the fact that she is an absolute beginner. It could possibly be his only answer to getting to the Finals. If only he could keep to the rules and teach Fran to dance like a pro in just 3 weeks. Let the drama ensue.
Interspersed between the fumblings of teaching Fran to dance there are some lovely comedic moments with Maisie’s Fran reminding me a lot of Grace of TV’s Will & Grace with a lovely natural and endearing performance. Kevin does a super job as the arrogant Scott who eventually begins to fall for Fran and of course his dancing is beyond amazing. Both of their vocals could do with a bit more power behind them, however that said they do have a gorgeous duet towards the end of the show in the Beautiful Surprise number which gels beautifully and displays some sweet harmonies.
There are some real over the top characters in this production, not least the creepy Barry Fife, who threatens to disqualify Scott if he doesn’t play by the rules. He even has his own intro song. Jose Agudo and Karen Mann almost steal the show with their nicely played performances as Rico and Abuela, Fran’s father and grandmother. Aguda especially entertains with his fantastic fiery Latino Paso Doblé number.
There are some twists and turns that lead us to the penultimate Pan Pacific Finals number which is quite a showstopper with some outstanding choreography amongst the cast. Danielle Cato as the wonderfully named Tina Sparkle certainly puts in the wow factor.
Some of the original numbers in this production aren’t hugely memorable but these are sprinkled in-between songs like Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, and perhaps the best known song from the film, Love is in the Air which provides the finale with a huge boost. Strictly Ballroom the Musical is full of energy and colour, however, this touring production seems almost to have become a parody of itself, lacking any portrayal of real emotion or the grittiness that the film delivered. That said, the almost packed out Cliffs Pavilion, Southend audience were up on their feet at the end of the show to show their appreciation and I’m sure the rest of the week will continue to bring in a great crowd.
Review: Kim Tobin
Interview
with Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith
with Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith
When Kevin Clifton was ten years old he watched the film of Strictly Ballroom and, as a budding competitive dancer, immediately saw himself in the character of Scott Hastings, recalling: “He was a hero to me and such an inspiration.”
Growing up in the village of Waltham, near Grimsby, Kevin was being taught ballroom and Latin by his parents Keith and Judy and told the four times British Latin American Champions: “I guarantee you that one day they’re going to make a musical out of this and I’m going to play Scott Hastings in it.”
Three decades later Clifton’s dream has come true. The 39-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing star is headlining the UK and Ireland tour of Strictly Ballroom The Musical and beams as he says: “It’s been a lifelong ambition of mine and I’m so excited that I’m getting to be in the stage version of my favourite film of all time.”
His co-star Maisie Smith, with whom he danced on the Children In Need Strictly Come Dancing special in 2019, is just as excited to be playing fledgling hoofer Fran. “It combines all my favourite things: Singing, dancing, acting, sequins and a bit of glitz and glamour,” says the former EastEnders actress and Strictly Come Dancing finalist who is making her musical theatre debut.
“It’s such an amazing role to play in my first ever musical. It’s such a feel-good show and everyone will come out of the theatre feeling the love and the excitement. And of course it’s got such great dancing and music in it - Latin flavours, modern tracks and some real classics.”
Kevin agrees. “It’s such an iconic story that everyone knows and can quote lines from, and on stage it’s a massively glitzy and glamorous spectacle. It’s a lot of fun and it’s a romantic comedy with lots of great dancing.”
Adapted from the film by creators Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce and directed in this new production by Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly Ballroom The Musical revolves around rebellious Australian dancer Scott, who causes a commotion with his radical moves and raises eyebrows when he opts to dance with absolute beginner Fran. Craig also choreographs the production with Strictly Come Dancing’s Creative Director Jason Gilkison.
Some 29 years since he first saw the movie, Kevin Clifton remembers relating to Scott’s desire to dance his way rather than following the rulebook. “I’m not sure whether it was something in me or whether it was totally inspired by the movie but I always felt the same way,” he recalls. “I was always more obsessed with entertaining an audience than winning a competition.”
Having gone on to become Youth Number One and four-time British Latin Champion, Kevin adds: “My coaches used to go nuts when I was competing because I would say to them ‘I would rather energise the crowd, make sure they have a great time and me come fifth in the competition rather than win whilst being a bit boring’.”
He was on Strictly Come Dancing for seven years from 2013 and won in 2018 with celebrity partner Stacey Dooley, and he notes: “Even on the show I would always chase an audience reaction instead of a 10 from the judges. I’ve always had that in me.”
Strictly Ballroom began as a short stage play that Luhrmann and his classmates devised in 1984 when he was studying at Sydney’s National Institute of the Dramatic Arts. It was expanded into a longer version that caught the eye of Australian music executive Ted Albert, who offered to turn it into a film. Insisting that he helm it himself, Luhrmann - who was already an established theatre director - made his screen directorial debut in 1992 to critical acclaim and box office success.
The movie went on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture and bagging three BAFTA awards for its costumes, production design and music score. The first movie in Luhrmann’s Red Curtain Trilogy, it was followed by Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge! and hailed the arrival of a major new talent. It also remained dear to the director’s heart, so much so that he and co-writer Craig Pearce eventually turned it into a full-blown stage musical which premiered at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in 2014.
The show’s first-ever UK and Ireland tour will feature a cast of more than 20 world-class performers, such familiar songs as Love is in the Air and Time After Time and new music from artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.
Its central message of ‘A life lived in fear is a life half-lived’ chimes with Clifton. “I left my comfort zone of Strictly Come Dancing to do more theatre,” says the actor-singer-dancer, who had already appeared in Dirty Dancing, The Wedding Singer and Rock of Ages.
Since leaving Strictly he’s been in Singin’ in the Rain and Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds as well as endurance contest The Games on ITV. “Training as an Olympian is something I never would have done that a few years ago. Now I’m all about getting out of that comfort zone and doing new things. That’s the message of Strictly Ballroom - doing what you love and going after the life you want to live.”
Too young to have seen the film when it first came out, Maisie Smith later caught it on TV and loved it. “The first time I was just watching the dancing so I’ve watched it again to prepare for the tour and it feels like the perfect fit for me,” says the 20-year-old stage school graduate who was just six when she first played Tiffany Butcher on EastEnders and left the show at the end of last year.
As a 14-year-old she played the title role in Annie at school in her home town of Leigh-on-Sea, but this is her first professional stage outing. She relates to Fran, saying: “She’s young and rebellious. She’s also ambitious and cheeky, so it’s the perfect role for me to play, although she’s probably a little more confident than I am.”
Smith is happy to be reunited with her Children in Need dancing partner three years after they bagged the Glitterball trophy. “We got on so well and that was the start of my Strictly journey,” she says, having gone on to compete on Strictly itself the following year when she eventually came second. “It’s so nice to be dancing together again, and this time we’ve got a whole tour rather than just a week.”
Clifton concurs. “We worked really well together, even though it was only for that one week, so it’s great to be reunited. I can’t wait for people to see what Maisie can do. We’ve seen her dancing and acting but she’s also a really good singer.
“As for the show itself, I know people who come see it are going to have an amazing time and that’s what everyone needs right now. It’s as good as musical theatre gets, with great singing, great dancing and a love story at its heart."
Growing up in the village of Waltham, near Grimsby, Kevin was being taught ballroom and Latin by his parents Keith and Judy and told the four times British Latin American Champions: “I guarantee you that one day they’re going to make a musical out of this and I’m going to play Scott Hastings in it.”
Three decades later Clifton’s dream has come true. The 39-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing star is headlining the UK and Ireland tour of Strictly Ballroom The Musical and beams as he says: “It’s been a lifelong ambition of mine and I’m so excited that I’m getting to be in the stage version of my favourite film of all time.”
His co-star Maisie Smith, with whom he danced on the Children In Need Strictly Come Dancing special in 2019, is just as excited to be playing fledgling hoofer Fran. “It combines all my favourite things: Singing, dancing, acting, sequins and a bit of glitz and glamour,” says the former EastEnders actress and Strictly Come Dancing finalist who is making her musical theatre debut.
“It’s such an amazing role to play in my first ever musical. It’s such a feel-good show and everyone will come out of the theatre feeling the love and the excitement. And of course it’s got such great dancing and music in it - Latin flavours, modern tracks and some real classics.”
Kevin agrees. “It’s such an iconic story that everyone knows and can quote lines from, and on stage it’s a massively glitzy and glamorous spectacle. It’s a lot of fun and it’s a romantic comedy with lots of great dancing.”
Adapted from the film by creators Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce and directed in this new production by Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly Ballroom The Musical revolves around rebellious Australian dancer Scott, who causes a commotion with his radical moves and raises eyebrows when he opts to dance with absolute beginner Fran. Craig also choreographs the production with Strictly Come Dancing’s Creative Director Jason Gilkison.
Some 29 years since he first saw the movie, Kevin Clifton remembers relating to Scott’s desire to dance his way rather than following the rulebook. “I’m not sure whether it was something in me or whether it was totally inspired by the movie but I always felt the same way,” he recalls. “I was always more obsessed with entertaining an audience than winning a competition.”
Having gone on to become Youth Number One and four-time British Latin Champion, Kevin adds: “My coaches used to go nuts when I was competing because I would say to them ‘I would rather energise the crowd, make sure they have a great time and me come fifth in the competition rather than win whilst being a bit boring’.”
He was on Strictly Come Dancing for seven years from 2013 and won in 2018 with celebrity partner Stacey Dooley, and he notes: “Even on the show I would always chase an audience reaction instead of a 10 from the judges. I’ve always had that in me.”
Strictly Ballroom began as a short stage play that Luhrmann and his classmates devised in 1984 when he was studying at Sydney’s National Institute of the Dramatic Arts. It was expanded into a longer version that caught the eye of Australian music executive Ted Albert, who offered to turn it into a film. Insisting that he helm it himself, Luhrmann - who was already an established theatre director - made his screen directorial debut in 1992 to critical acclaim and box office success.
The movie went on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture and bagging three BAFTA awards for its costumes, production design and music score. The first movie in Luhrmann’s Red Curtain Trilogy, it was followed by Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge! and hailed the arrival of a major new talent. It also remained dear to the director’s heart, so much so that he and co-writer Craig Pearce eventually turned it into a full-blown stage musical which premiered at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in 2014.
The show’s first-ever UK and Ireland tour will feature a cast of more than 20 world-class performers, such familiar songs as Love is in the Air and Time After Time and new music from artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.
Its central message of ‘A life lived in fear is a life half-lived’ chimes with Clifton. “I left my comfort zone of Strictly Come Dancing to do more theatre,” says the actor-singer-dancer, who had already appeared in Dirty Dancing, The Wedding Singer and Rock of Ages.
Since leaving Strictly he’s been in Singin’ in the Rain and Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds as well as endurance contest The Games on ITV. “Training as an Olympian is something I never would have done that a few years ago. Now I’m all about getting out of that comfort zone and doing new things. That’s the message of Strictly Ballroom - doing what you love and going after the life you want to live.”
Too young to have seen the film when it first came out, Maisie Smith later caught it on TV and loved it. “The first time I was just watching the dancing so I’ve watched it again to prepare for the tour and it feels like the perfect fit for me,” says the 20-year-old stage school graduate who was just six when she first played Tiffany Butcher on EastEnders and left the show at the end of last year.
As a 14-year-old she played the title role in Annie at school in her home town of Leigh-on-Sea, but this is her first professional stage outing. She relates to Fran, saying: “She’s young and rebellious. She’s also ambitious and cheeky, so it’s the perfect role for me to play, although she’s probably a little more confident than I am.”
Smith is happy to be reunited with her Children in Need dancing partner three years after they bagged the Glitterball trophy. “We got on so well and that was the start of my Strictly journey,” she says, having gone on to compete on Strictly itself the following year when she eventually came second. “It’s so nice to be dancing together again, and this time we’ve got a whole tour rather than just a week.”
Clifton concurs. “We worked really well together, even though it was only for that one week, so it’s great to be reunited. I can’t wait for people to see what Maisie can do. We’ve seen her dancing and acting but she’s also a really good singer.
“As for the show itself, I know people who come see it are going to have an amazing time and that’s what everyone needs right now. It’s as good as musical theatre gets, with great singing, great dancing and a love story at its heart."
Baz Luhrmann’s smash hit musical Strictly Ballroom is set to sweep audiences off their feet once more when the new 2022/2023 tour, directed by the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood, begins in Portsmouth on 26th September. Former Strictly Come Dancing champion, Kevin Clifton stars as Scott Hastings and EastEnders star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Maisie Smith makes her musical theatre debut in the lead female role of Fran. Kevin and Maisie were previous champions of the Strictly Come Dancing Children in Need Special 2019.
The 10 month tour - choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and Strictly Come Dancing's Creative Director, Jason Gilkison - visits almost 40 venues before culminating in Bristol in July 2023. Foxtrotting around the UK and Ireland, the show is based on the award-winning, global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that inspired the world to dance and spawned the smash hit TV series 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Craig Revel Horwood said: "I am absolutely delighted to be directing the amazing Kevin Clifton and the sensational Maisie Smith, together with our super talented cast in Strictly Ballroom The Musical - I know that they’ll all be FAB-U-LOUS! Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening!"
Kevin Clifton said: “I'm thrilled to finally be fulfilling my lifelong ambition to play Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. When I was 10 years old I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time. This is my dream role. I’m beyond excited to be performing with Maisie again – she’s amazing - and can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK with her in this incredible show!"
Maisie Smith said: “Dancing in Strictly has been a huge part of my life, and been so much fun. I’m absolutely delighted to be able to continue that journey in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Not only do I get to make my musical theatre debut with my former partner in crime, Kevin Clifton, but I get to work with Craig Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison again too - I can't wait!"
This all-singing, all-dancing and all-glittering nine-month tour will see the show dazzle audiences all over the UK & Ireland in Portsmouth, Bromley, Sunderland, Liverpool, Llandudno, Birmingham, Wimbledon, Darlington, Blackpool, Peterborough, Sheffield, Guildford, Ipswich, Reading, Cardiff, Plymouth, Truro, Wolverhampton, Southampton, Northampton, Hull, Canterbury, Southend, Bradford, Milton Keynes, Norwich, Bournemouth, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Derry, Dublin, Glasgow, Aylesbury, Nottingham, Salford, Leeds and Bristol.
Strictly Ballroom The Musical tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom…
Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, and bringing together a sublime cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time with dynamic and joyous verve. The show will also feature some amazing new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. The show’s scintillating singing, dazzling dancing and eye-popping costumes will combine together to bring audiences a story of heart, comedy and drama, and promises to be an unforgettable night under the glitter ball.
The cast of Strictly Ballroom The Musical includes: Nikki Belsher (Shirley Hastings); Mark Sangster (Doug Hastings); Gary Davis (Barry Fife); Quinn Patrick (Les Kendall); Oliver Brooks (JJ Silvers); Jose Agudo (Rico); Karen Mann (Abuela); Agnes Pure (Liz); Benjamin Harrold (Ken); Jessica Vaux (Charm); Danielle Cato (Tina Sparkle); Kieran Cooper (Wayne); Maddy Ambus (Vanessa); Adam Davidson (Nathan) and Poppy Blackledge (Pam). The ensemble features Liv Alexander, Edwin Ray, Stuart Rouse, Hollie Jane Stephens, Michelle Buckley and Stylianos Thomadakis.
This uplifting and courageous musical originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of classmates at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1984. Eight years later he made his screen directorial debut with ‘Strictly Ballroom’, the first instalment in Luhrmann’s acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy. The vibrant film enjoyed staggering success, winning three awards at the 1993 BAFTA awards and a 1994 Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture, going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning more than $80 million at the box office. In April 2014 Strictly Ballroom The Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical is a fabulous, feel-good evening full of sequins, singing and salsa. This unmissable kaleidoscope of glitz and glamour is a tonic for the soul and will send your heart soaring and toes tapping long after you leave the theatre!
The 10 month tour - choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and Strictly Come Dancing's Creative Director, Jason Gilkison - visits almost 40 venues before culminating in Bristol in July 2023. Foxtrotting around the UK and Ireland, the show is based on the award-winning, global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that inspired the world to dance and spawned the smash hit TV series 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Craig Revel Horwood said: "I am absolutely delighted to be directing the amazing Kevin Clifton and the sensational Maisie Smith, together with our super talented cast in Strictly Ballroom The Musical - I know that they’ll all be FAB-U-LOUS! Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening!"
Kevin Clifton said: “I'm thrilled to finally be fulfilling my lifelong ambition to play Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. When I was 10 years old I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time. This is my dream role. I’m beyond excited to be performing with Maisie again – she’s amazing - and can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK with her in this incredible show!"
Maisie Smith said: “Dancing in Strictly has been a huge part of my life, and been so much fun. I’m absolutely delighted to be able to continue that journey in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Not only do I get to make my musical theatre debut with my former partner in crime, Kevin Clifton, but I get to work with Craig Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison again too - I can't wait!"
This all-singing, all-dancing and all-glittering nine-month tour will see the show dazzle audiences all over the UK & Ireland in Portsmouth, Bromley, Sunderland, Liverpool, Llandudno, Birmingham, Wimbledon, Darlington, Blackpool, Peterborough, Sheffield, Guildford, Ipswich, Reading, Cardiff, Plymouth, Truro, Wolverhampton, Southampton, Northampton, Hull, Canterbury, Southend, Bradford, Milton Keynes, Norwich, Bournemouth, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Derry, Dublin, Glasgow, Aylesbury, Nottingham, Salford, Leeds and Bristol.
Strictly Ballroom The Musical tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom…
Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, and bringing together a sublime cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time with dynamic and joyous verve. The show will also feature some amazing new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. The show’s scintillating singing, dazzling dancing and eye-popping costumes will combine together to bring audiences a story of heart, comedy and drama, and promises to be an unforgettable night under the glitter ball.
The cast of Strictly Ballroom The Musical includes: Nikki Belsher (Shirley Hastings); Mark Sangster (Doug Hastings); Gary Davis (Barry Fife); Quinn Patrick (Les Kendall); Oliver Brooks (JJ Silvers); Jose Agudo (Rico); Karen Mann (Abuela); Agnes Pure (Liz); Benjamin Harrold (Ken); Jessica Vaux (Charm); Danielle Cato (Tina Sparkle); Kieran Cooper (Wayne); Maddy Ambus (Vanessa); Adam Davidson (Nathan) and Poppy Blackledge (Pam). The ensemble features Liv Alexander, Edwin Ray, Stuart Rouse, Hollie Jane Stephens, Michelle Buckley and Stylianos Thomadakis.
This uplifting and courageous musical originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of classmates at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1984. Eight years later he made his screen directorial debut with ‘Strictly Ballroom’, the first instalment in Luhrmann’s acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy. The vibrant film enjoyed staggering success, winning three awards at the 1993 BAFTA awards and a 1994 Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture, going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning more than $80 million at the box office. In April 2014 Strictly Ballroom The Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical is a fabulous, feel-good evening full of sequins, singing and salsa. This unmissable kaleidoscope of glitz and glamour is a tonic for the soul and will send your heart soaring and toes tapping long after you leave the theatre!
STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL – 2023 TOUR DATES
27th February – 4th March Northampton, Royal & Derngate 6th March – 11th March Hull, New Theatre 13th March – 18th March Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre 20th March – 25th March* Southend, Cliffs Pavilion 27th March – 1st April Bradford, Alhambra Theatre 3rd April – 8th April Milton Keynes, Theatre 10th April – 15th April Norwich, Theatre Royal 17th April – 22nd April Bournemouth, Pavilion Theatre 24th April – 29th April York, Grand Opera House 1st May – 6th May Newcastle, Theatre Royal 8th May – 13th May Edinburgh, Playhouse |
STRICTLY BALLROOM THE MUSICAL – 2023 TOUR DATES
15th May – 20th May Aberdeen, Performing Arts 22nd May – 27th May Derry, Millennium Forum Theatre 29th May – 3rd June Dublin, Bord Gais Energy Theatre 5th June – 10th June Glasgow, Theatre Royal 12th June – 17th June Aylesbury, Waterside 19th June – 24th June Nottingham, Theatre Royal 26th June – 1st July Salford, The Lowry 3rd July – 8th July Leeds, Grand Theatre 10th July – 15th July Bristol, Hippodrome * Maisie Smith is performing until 25 March |
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