Keep Dancing at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Keep Dancing
Milton Keynes Theatre

6-10 September 2016

www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

Reviewed by Michelle Llabani

As we walked into the theatre the stage was set for an evening of Glitter and Glam. The high quality sound, lighting, design and operation along with the smoke machine evoked a different atmosphere for each dance and bought out the very best in the myriad of finely designed sparkling costumes.

Act One opened with a high energy polished performance by the five couples in the company, who continued throughout the show to deliver the same, and at times better, level of practiced efficiency.

They were joined at various stages by Robin Windsor and Anya Garnis. They also danced separately, treating the audience to a slightly more spectacular act each time.

The most spontaneous cheer of the evening was for the last of the four dances by Jay and Aliona who recreated their winning 2015 Strictly dance, complete with all the verve, kicks and flicks we’ve come to expect.

There was a lack of story which could have been addressed by a short introduction, at least to each section, and an explanation of the dances we would see, as at times it was difficult to distinguish if it was a Foxtrot or a Quickstep.

Although this is advertised as ‘Breathtaking Ballroom’ and the singers and band were of a good standard I did not expect to see  them on stage without one dancer for at least 4 songs. At other times the dance troupe were not centre stage but used a choreography evocative the ‘Sharks and Jets’ in West Side Story.

There were some notable routines; the 1940’s dance hall songs and dances at the end of the first act, an invigorating Charleston segment, a beautifully choreographed ballroom section with changes of tempo and two contemporary dance interpretations. However for the most part I did not feel the audience totally invested in the show. They politely clapped at the end of each dance but were rarely as overtly enthusiastic as I would have expected.

Taken as a complete show it was entertaining and a lovely way to spend an evening in pleasant surroundings. There was a very good professional standard and high energy but generally lacked the spirit and animation to inspire an audience who I expect like me had gone because they are fans of Strictly Come Dancing. To quote Len “from me a 7 “.

Rating: 3.5/5

Tickets cost from £21.40 to £43.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Keep Dancing is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 10 September 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8717652.

Keep Dancing is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates vist keepdancingshow.com.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ