Strictly superstars Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara are bringing their own brand of festive cheer to audiences across the UK with their new show, Dancing in a Winter Wonderland. The couple welcomed a daughter, Lyra, just four months ago, so this show is full of references to their first Christmas as a family of three and their joy at being new parents. These personal touches, combined with the glorious musical numbers, create a magical evening full of Christmassy fun.

We are treated to a veritable smorgasbord of music and dance numbers, performed with great aplomb by Janette and Aljaž along with their very talented cast of singers and dancers. Alongside the expected Ballroom and Latin numbers, there are sections of tap and contemporary which allow for plenty of variety in the programme. Some of our favourite sequences are the New York segment, which takes us on a journey from the Rockettes at Radio City all the way to a rousing pub performance of ‘Fairytale of New York’ via ‘Carnaval del Barrio’ from In the Heights, and the Disney routine, which starts with a beautiful dance to ‘A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes’. We also love Aljaž and Janette’s routine to the absolutely gorgeous ‘Ice Dance’ from Edward Scissorhands.

Janette and Aljaž aren’t on their own in this production, and we feel it’s only right to highlight their wonderful supporting cast, who all contribute so much to the show. Their lead partners, Robbie Kmetoni and Faye Huddleston, get some wonderful standout moments and singers Miranda Wilford and Adrian Hansel perform the set list of varied songs very successfully on the whole, although some keys don’t seem to suit Hansel as well as they could. The rest of the cast of dancers (Kiera Brunton, Kate Kenrick, Rose Wild, Jack Dargen, George Michaelides and Tonyé Scot-Obené) are incredibly talented and perform Gareth Walker’s choreography with verve and sparkle throughout the high-energy show.

Aljaž and Janette are a charming couple, and between numbers they delight the audience with their witty banter and easy rapport. They also surprise us all by doing some singing themselves, with Janette’s rendition of ‘Santa Baby’ particularly memorable.

This is an excellent way to get us in the festive spirit and ready for Christmas. Janette and Aljaž are both absolute stars and have the audience in the palms of their hands throughout the show. When the glittering finale comes and the audience are invited to get up and dance, it really feels like we are all celebrating the joy of Christmas together, thanks to Janette and Aljaž and their love for the season. What a Christmas treat!

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Lorna Murray

Aljaž and Janette: Dancing in a Winter Wonderland ends its tour in Bath on 19 December, with further information here.