Strictly Ballroom The Musical At Theatre Royal, Glasgow Review

Reviewed by Deborah Mackenzie

Glasgow: Theatre Royal 5th June 2023 to 10th June 2023
Suitable for Audiences: 12+

Adapted from the 1992 Baz Luhrmann’s film ‘Strictly Ballroom’; in my opinion was far more enjoyable watching it performed live on stage. Put your dancing shoes and ‘happy face’ on and head to see the most breath-taking, funny and toe-tapping show of the year.

It is about a young rebellious ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings (played by professional dancer, Kevin Clifton from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing) who has become disillusioned by the stiffness of traditional dance steps. Scott loses his dancing partner(s) because he is not willing to conform and expects his partners to do the same; they are more interested in winning than changing history.

A huge dance competition, Pan-Pacific Grand Prix, is coming up; Scott is wanting to dance his way, but is met with disapproval from his overbearing mother, Shirley (Nikki Belsher) and coach Les Kendall (Quinn Patrick) who are on the hunt for a perfect partner. The cleaner and two left footed, wannabe dancer approaches Scott saying she would dance with him. He is intrigued that she is willing to dance ‘his way’.

The couple is met disapproval and ridicule from all. But they continue to dance together. Fran overhears a conversation Barry Fife (Gary Davis) proclaiming that Scott is threatening the Dancesport status quo, his parents dream that was taken away from them years before and arranges for Scott to dance with a champion dancer Tina Sparkle. Shirley and Les are ecstatic about who is to be Scott’s new partner.

Fran is hurt and flees; only for Scott to follow her to her home; he is met by her overprotective Spanish father Rico. It is here that Scott learns the true meaning of dance and life in general from Fran’s grandmother Ya Ya; he trains with Fran’s family.

In the background Fife has been scheming how to get Scott to dance with Tina Sparkle, to sabotage his chances in the upcoming Pan-Pacific Championships. Fife tells Scott that Doug (his father) and inadvertently his mothers, careers by dancing his own steps, which loses them the golden title so coveted for. Scott not wanting to let down his parents agrees to partner Tina.

Scott’s father, Doug catches up with Scott and tells him that he has been lied too; Fife tries to disqualify them, but Wayne having overheard the treachery disconnects the PA system, allowing Fran and Scott to dance a Pasco Doble. In desperation Fife and his girlfriend turn off the music to bring the competition to an end. At this point, Doug starts to clap, enticing the other to join in so the pair can continue their soul moving dance. Everyone claps along as Scott and Fran dance; Liz has a change of heart turns on Fife and Leachman then restores the music. Doug asks Shirley to dance with him and everyone joins in. During this time Scott and Fran are where they truly want to be and dance on; competition is forgotten, and they finally act on their feelings and seal the show with a kiss.

Kevin Clifton (Scott) and Faye Brooks (Fran) gave an arousing performance; the emotions of their characters filled your heart. Their dancing, from Faye starting out as having two left feet and growing to professional when dancing together was amazing.

For me, this show had me sitting on the edge of my seat, holding my breath and never wanting the moment to end as the drama unfolded, dances in the most beautiful costumes and just the right amount of humour.

The recognisable songs that made you want to sing along; urm just as well I kept my mouth tightly closed as I am tone deaf and sound like a cat wailing! With the show ending on ‘Love is in the Air’ had the audience clapping, then standing and swaying along. What a show!

Rating: 5/5

The show is on from Monday 5th June 2023 until Saturday 10th June 2023

Tickets cost from £13.00 subject to a transaction fee of £2.85

For more information or to book tickets please visit Strictly Ballroom Tickets | Theatre Royal Glasgow in Glasgow | ATG Tickets