The Last Tango at the Lyceum Theatre Sheffield Review
The Last Tango
Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
28 September to 3 October 2015
Reviewed by Laura Bown
It’s that time of year when lots of us are spending our Saturday nights watching Strictly Come Dancing. Two of the professional dancers we all know and love are Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace, but now it is finally time for the nation’s best loved Argentine Tango Champions to say goodbye in this last stage show tour.
The Lyceum is in the centre of Sheffield, with easy public transport links and lots of local parking. As suggested in the website we parked in the Q Park on Charles Street. The Lyceum has an arrangement with Q Park and visitors to the theatre can obtain a first hour free voucher from any member of staff. The theatre was not its busiest, but the staff were, as ever, attentive.
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this show. I had not seen their previous stage show productions, and I was really not sure how they would make a show from their dancing. The show is all about a young couple who fall in love, marry and have a family. Using the ensemble and expertly performed vocal performances, they tell the love story of this couple.
The set is actually based in an attic and the whole premise of the show is an older version of Vincent Simone’s character, George played by Teddy Kempner, reliving the memories that various objects he finds in the attic relate to. The couple meet prior to World War 2, and they fall in love. Being set in this era it makes way for some brilliant costumes and dresses which give the show a really nostalgic feel.
The dance routines are the real stars of the show, and are really expertly choreographed. Of course the routines where Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace do their trademark Argentine tango are the highlights, but some of the ensemble dances really are amazing. In particular I enjoyed the Jive which was performed at the beginning of the second act.
The music and songs are provided by a live orchestra and performed by Matthew Gent, who expertly sings a lot of well-known songs. He is supported by the ensemble who also sing some of the numbers, making the show have much of a musical feel, not just a dance show.
My only criticism of the show, which is minor, is the ending. The storytelling goes well and then, somehow, the end of the story seems lack lustre. I can’t really explain more without giving away the ending, but I do feel that something different is needed at the end. The show is not a long one, comprising of two 40 minute acts with a 20 minute interval.
Vincent and Flavia produce a triumphant final stage show. The show provides emotion, entertainment, sex appeal, and provides something a little different for a night out. It definitely beats watching it on the television!
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £16 to £35 (booking fees may apply).
The Last Tango is at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield until 3 October 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0114 249 6000.
Lyceum Theatre, Norfolk St, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 1DA | 0114 249 6000
