Strictly Ballroom The Musical At New Wimbledon Theatre Review

Reviewed by Kelly Victoria

Strictly Ballroom The Musical is currently being played at the New Wimbledon Theatre and I was lucky enough to watch this sensational show last night.

Based on the Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning movie, the show is set in Australia and takes us through the journey of the world as a competitive ballroom dancer. Scott played by former strictly star Kevin Clifton, is a competitive ballroom dancer who is being pushed to succeed by his Mother Shirley (Nikki Belsher). However, he’s not keen to comply with the stringent rules of the ballroom competition circuit and much rather prefers to dance his own moves which make him feel alive. Because Scott’s passion for competition is overshadowed by his love of non-competitive dance moves, he finds himself without a dance partner. Dance studio helper and beginner Fran (Maisie Smith) admires Scott from the side lines and persuades him to teach her to dance and enter the ‘Pan Pacific Dance Championships’ with her as his partner. With time restrictions, the whole dance community and Fran’s family against them, they persist. Finally, winning Fran’s family over they enter the competition performing the Paso Doble as taught to them by Fran’s Spanish Dad Rico (Jose Agudo). Scott and Fran fall in love through the process of the journey and dance fabulously at the Championships winning the hearts of their friends and family in the process.

The show is as fantastic as you would imagine with the most sensational dancing throughout. Opening with a huge, colourful dance number you are transported to the ballroom immediately. With one spectacular scene after the other, the whole show is a complete feast for the eyes with the most fantastic and colourful costumes and phenomenal dancing. Full of heavy Australian accents and comedic content throughout you will be belly laughing and grinning from ear to ear all at the same time.

Each scene fully utilises the entire cast to its whole potential with many scenes set with all members of the ensemble on stage. This really added to the visual impact of the show. The staging is absolutely phenomenal and works cleverly to make you feel like you’re right in the scene.

A stand out scene has to be at the end of act one when Fran’s Dad Rico (Jose Agudo) teaches Scott the Paso Doble in front of her family in the full to bursting family restaurant. Rico’s dancing is strong, powerful and impactful giving you the sultry but strong feeling that you’d hope for from a Latin number. The whole cast are on stage in the scene alongside live members of the orchestra playing guitar and drum and the atmosphere they create is palpable.

Kevin Clifton as Scott is an absolute delight. We all know Kevin is the most phenomenal dancer, but his singing and acting were also fantastic. I’ve honestly never seen on stage before someone who performs every single step that they dance in the moment and with so much passion and commitment. It was a complete honour to watch.

Maisie Smith plays Fran brilliantly. The character is young and slightly awkward and Maisie plays the role believably. Her dancing is as accomplished you’d expect from a Strictly finalist. To compliment this Maisie’s vocals are soft and powerful at the same time and suit her character perfectly.

The show is Directed and Co-Choreographed by Craig Revel-Horwood and as such the dancing, acting and in fact the whole show is as camp and fab-u-lous as you would expect.

Kudos really does have to go to the costume department who have created dazzling and colourful costumes with as much sparkle, feathers and tassels as you’d expect and more. The costumes were sensational and just made each scene spectacular and come alive.

New Wimbledon Theatre are hosting the show from 7th to 12th November and it’s the perfect location to watch this fantastic show. The historic theatre, built in 1910 is steeped in history and has a fantastic atmosphere with super friendly staff. Accessing the theatre is easy by public transport, but also by car with parking directly to the rear.

The show really is a must see and I’d thoroughly recommend booking tickets to watch.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £13.00 (subject to a transaction fee of £3.65)

For more information or to book tickets please visit Strictly Ballroom Tickets | New Wimbledon Theatre in Greater London | ATG Tickets or phone the box office on 0333 009 6690