Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical At Theatre Royal, Nottingham Review

Reviewed by Katy Nettleton

Absolutely Fabulooouus!

A feel-good show which has everyone with a smile on their face and feet tapping along!

I think I may have been the only person watching tonight who has not watched the original award-winning global production of Strictly Ballroom. However, as the show is designed to entertain it only added to my admiration of the story, stage and the dancing.

Strictly Ballroom is a Rom-Com at its finest, with added glitz, glamour, dancing and of course music.

The story focussed around the two main characters: Scott Hastings, a talented yet egotistical, and rebellious young ballroom dancer – played by Kevin Clifton, who is trying to find out his own “style” whilst being pushed towards the championships by his competitive parents (reliving their youth through their son). Scott’s Mum, Shirley (played by Nikki Belsher) and Dad, Doug (played by Mark Sangster) where the light-hearted cast that brought much more humour with their portrayal of their characters and the 1992 use of lycra! In the midst of the families drive for titles Scott is accustomed by the un-inspiring dance enthusiast Fran (Faye Brookes), a beginner in the dance world, but one that lights up the stage with presence and a kind a soul. Together, they provide that to be winders, they don’t need to win competitions, but the heart of their loved one. A proper rom-com in a musical format, that has your heart pounding to see how the relationship progresses.

As it’s a musical a review would not be complete without reference to their singing and telling a story through music. Well this show, provides the punches, and although Kevin (playing Scott) is not known for his singing ability he hit the right notes, and really brought the vulnerability of Scott to the stage. His physical presence cannot go unnoticed and the way he engaged with the audience demonstrated the depth and professionalism of the cast, which can be said for all of them.

The show is based on humour, but provided me with an evening of escapism with wit, humour and love.

This is a high energy performance with amazing choreography (as you would expect with Craig Revel Horwood being the Director and Co-Choreographer) and was a treat for the whole audience.

I don’t think I have ever seen the stage lit with such colour, sequins and Glamour., it was mesmerising.

Often, I am apprehensive when a show has a number of lead performers who are known but not in music theatre, however I needn’t be worried. Faye Brookes, the lead female playing the role of Fran was pure energy and portrayed her role confidently and brought Fran to life beautifully.

I must also add a quick note about the dancing of Jose Agudo (Rico) as his hips certainly did tell a story, and the way in which he took the lead, taught and moved was purely brilliance and something I have never seen before. I thought that Jose was a “silent” star of the show and needed a special mention. Alongside, Quinn Patrick (playing Les) who added humour and belly laughs.

In summary this is a brilliant, light-hearted comedy rolled up into a musical which showcases the best talent and performance of a truly professional cast.

There was no person sat in the audience not singing along, tapping their feet, or standing up and swaying (dancing!) to the music.

Rating: Overall I give this a 5 out of 5, purely a magical evening that provides the escapism from everyday life, and engages you like no other show has.

Strictly Ballroom The Musical, Theatre Royal Nottingham Monday 19 – Saturday 24 June 2023
Mon-Sat 7.30pm, Wed matinee 2pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm
£25 – £52 plus discounts for Royal Members*, Under 26s, and Groups
www.trch.co.uk Box Office 0115 989 5555