Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom is best known to fans as the 1992 movie, but it was a stage play first, albeit fairly small scale, and I assume a million miles away from the big song and dance production now playing at The Piccadilly Theatre. Director and choreographer, Drew McOnie has pulled out all the stops to make this a fantastically fun night out, filled with moments of pure pleasure.
For those familiar with the film version there’s no huge deviation from the plot, Scott Hastings is on his way to winning the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Dancing Championship, but his moves aren’t ‘strictly ballroom’ as dictated by the federation, and its President (who is more than a little Trump-esque in this production). So, begins a fight against corrupt authority, a love story, and back street classes on the pasodoble. Think Dirty Dancing meets Karate Kid, with sequins.
There is one large difference with the musical version; there’s an extra character, the emcee who also acts as narrator, played by Will Young, and it’s this character who sings the majority of the songs, leaving the dancers to, well…dance. The introduction of the Wally Strand character does seem a bit odd, given that the whole thing could have been achieved without him, but rather than bemoan the addition, let’s enjoy the added benefit of having a talented singer and performer like Will Young taking the lead.
When it comes to the dance element, Jonny Labey and Zizi Strallen are firmly in charge of the moves, and their spectacular performances do not disappoint for one second. Drew McOnie’s buoyant choreography is a joy to watch, fast paced and frenetic with wonderful synchronicity, giving Labey and Strallen ample opportunity to show off their skills. The supporting cast also get a chance to shine, with fantastic ensemble numbers.
It wouldn’t be Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom without a big dose of humour underlying the clichés and stereotypes, it comes in spades, particularly from Anna Francolini as Shirley Hastings. The overall look is delightfully pastiche, with garish colours, bright lights, and a few glitter balls to really dazzle its audience.
The Australian accents drift in to cockney, and then some bizarre variations in between, it’s a little distracting at first, but you’re soon caught up in the wonderment of the music and dance that it becomes much less of an issue. Moments, such as during ‘Time After Time’, where flawless vocals combine with sublime dancing, alone makes the ticket purchase worthwhile.
Draped in feathers and sparkle, Strictly Ballroom is a thoroughly entertaining musical that will prove to be a fantastic night out for a fun-loving audience. Will Young may have got the audience to their feet, but the appreciation for the cast, and McOnies vision, kept them standing, and of course, dancing.
