Strictly Ballroom Review
Strictly Ballroom
Milton Keynes Theatre
National Tour
(Review Complete)
SYNOPSIS
Champion ballroom dancer Scott Hastings finds all the rules and regulations of Ballroom competitions too rigid. He wants to break out and go for much more freedom. He finds the perfect partner in the shy local girl, Fran, who has been dancing at his studio for two years without him even noticing her. When he goes to her house he finds the freedom he has been looking for by dancing with her family and together he and Fran make all their dreams come true by dancing at the National Championships
REVIEW
When Bas Luhrmann’ Strictly Ballroom first hit cinemas in 1992 it immediately became one of the top favourites among Dance Movies.
And I think it is safe to say that Craig Revel Horwood’s dynamic production keeps it right up there on top. Kevin Clifton was not performing but his understudy, Edwin Ray, made an excellent job of leading man Scott. Faye Brooks was lovely as the shy, awkward Fran.
She had two beautiful songs and made an excellent job of the dancing. Abuel, Fran’s Mother was played with great sensitivity by Karen Mann. She was sympathetic, kind and encouraging and I absolutely loved her. But for me the show was stolen by Jose Agudo who played Rico. He led the fantastic Flamenco dance at the end of Act 1. What a dynamic routine! It had the audience cheering all the way into the bar!
There were altogether six understudies on and I have a feeling that, with so many, it may have affected some of the timing of lines as I felt the script should have been more funny than it actually was, but that didn’t spoil the enjoyment of the audience. The lovely set, the fabulous sequin and feather covered costumes and the fantastic dancing, made this show a wonderful evening that sent the audience dancing out into the street!
Reviewer: Julia Rufey.