Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace
in
The Last Tango
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
Tuesday 26th January to Saturday 30th January 2016
in
The Last Tango
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
Tuesday 26th January to Saturday 30th January 2016
Twenty odd years ago, ballroom dancing was deemed as very old fashioned and dance classes would be mainly dominated by middle aged women, sadly being forced to dance with each other due to lack of gentlemen subscribers. However, these days, thanks to the revival and reformatting of tv’s 'Come Dancing' which was given a new lease of life by adding the word Strictly, (an allusion to the cult 1992 movie Strictly Ballroom) teachers running dance classes now say they are welcoming everyone from teenagers to 80 year olds, with male partners now no longer reluctant to sign up. Such is the appeal of the popular Saturday night show!
Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace signed up to Strictly Come Dancing for its fourth series. During their time in the show Vincent reached the finals with actress Dani Harmer, whilst Flavia and gymnast, Louis Smith won the title and took home the much prized glitter ball. Simone and Cacace have been performing together from the time they were paired up as youngsters at dancing classes in Guildford and have remained partners ever since, winning countless dance titles and championships throughout their dancing career. Their passion is for the Tango and in particular the Argentine Tango for which they were crowned the UK Argentine Tango Champions in 2006 and the World Argentine Tango Show champions 2005/6.
The Last Tango, as the title suggests, will be their final touring production having previously completed successful tours with Midnight Tango and Dance Til Dawn. With the emotionally charged nature of the dance, The Last Tango takes you along a wonderful journey through the eyes of the elderly George, played by Teddy Kempner, who we see in the loft of his house in a fabulous set designed by Morgan Large. George reminisces as he rediscovers old items that have been stored in the loft, which evoke the memories of his meeting the girl of his dreams and their subsequent life together. For George it is present day but we see the couple as they meet in the late 1930s pre-war Britain.
Vincent and Flavia play the part of the couple who beautifully dance their way through their courtship from meeting at the beach, getting engaged and married, going on their honeymoon plus all the other milestones that couples create throughout married life.
The Last Tango, as the title suggests, will be their final touring production having previously completed successful tours with Midnight Tango and Dance Til Dawn. With the emotionally charged nature of the dance, The Last Tango takes you along a wonderful journey through the eyes of the elderly George, played by Teddy Kempner, who we see in the loft of his house in a fabulous set designed by Morgan Large. George reminisces as he rediscovers old items that have been stored in the loft, which evoke the memories of his meeting the girl of his dreams and their subsequent life together. For George it is present day but we see the couple as they meet in the late 1930s pre-war Britain.
Vincent and Flavia play the part of the couple who beautifully dance their way through their courtship from meeting at the beach, getting engaged and married, going on their honeymoon plus all the other milestones that couples create throughout married life.
They are joined on stage by a marvellous dance ensemble with Matthew Gent providing some fabulous vocals, in particular with “When I Fall In Love’” as well as a wonderful version of Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies”. The dance ensemble in the “Jump, Jive an’ Wail” number really got the audience going and then in contrast, ultimately the most moving version of ‘Autumn Leaves’ that you are ever likely to hear or see.
Whether you are a fan of dancing or not you cannot fail to be impressed with these two talents. I don’t think I’ve ever seen legs move so quickly and yet so elegantly; and for someone like me, whose dance partner would have to wear shin-pads to avoid getting bruises, this was jaw dropping to behold and in particular during the finale which left a delighted but teary eyed audience on their feet with a well deserved standing ovation.
The Last Tango takes you on a simple but hugely effective journey through the emotive and passionate power of dance with Vincent and Flavia proving exactly why they are World champions and one of Strictly Come Dancing's most popular couples.
For tickets to see the show call the box office on 01702 351135 or go online to www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Whether you are a fan of dancing or not you cannot fail to be impressed with these two talents. I don’t think I’ve ever seen legs move so quickly and yet so elegantly; and for someone like me, whose dance partner would have to wear shin-pads to avoid getting bruises, this was jaw dropping to behold and in particular during the finale which left a delighted but teary eyed audience on their feet with a well deserved standing ovation.
The Last Tango takes you on a simple but hugely effective journey through the emotive and passionate power of dance with Vincent and Flavia proving exactly why they are World champions and one of Strictly Come Dancing's most popular couples.
For tickets to see the show call the box office on 01702 351135 or go online to www.southendtheatres.org.uk
What the Audience Thought
Samantha Stevens, 50, Benfleet
“It was absolutely brilliant, just breathtaking. It more than lived up to my expectations of what it was going to be like and was very emotional. It’s a story done through dance and anyone who loves dancing should definitely come and see this show. It should be on the West End. I also liked that there was lots of other types of dancing and not just the Argentine Tango.”
“It was absolutely brilliant, just breathtaking. It more than lived up to my expectations of what it was going to be like and was very emotional. It’s a story done through dance and anyone who loves dancing should definitely come and see this show. It should be on the West End. I also liked that there was lots of other types of dancing and not just the Argentine Tango.”
Julie Carter, 60, Leigh-on-Sea
“Vincent and Flavia must have such a strong partnership because they are just so in tune with each other. They have perfect synchronicity. I absolutely loved it. The singers were really good too. A really fabulous night out.”
“Vincent and Flavia must have such a strong partnership because they are just so in tune with each other. They have perfect synchronicity. I absolutely loved it. The singers were really good too. A really fabulous night out.”