Review: NIKITA KUZMIN - MIDNIGHT DANCER, Peacock Theatre - Tour
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
Nikita Kuzmin shines in his first solo headline show Midnight Dancer, currently touring the UK.
Midnight Dancer is a true love letter to dance, with fans of both traditional and more contemporary styles being rewarded with upbeat numbers, alongside some slower, more emotive pieces. Kuzmin’s choreography is slick with different dance styles leading into one another with ease, as Jive leads to Quickstep, which leads to Argentine Tango. This results in a well-paced show, and gives Kuzmin the opportunity to showcase the depth and breadth of his talent.
Kuzmin’s passion for dance is palpable as he, alongside a very strong company, tells a modern version of the Cinderella story, centred around a love triangle between a glamorous film star (Andrea Toma), her agent (a very impressive Seamus McIntosh) and the hero, Nikita Kuzmin.
Against a cinema-style backdrop, the audience is guided through the turbulent love story with the help of a large projected clock and a buoyant soundtrack including ‘Roxanne’ and ‘It’s Raining Men’. Outstanding vocals are provided by the powerful Rebecca Lisewski who, rather than being an afterthought to the dancing, is often front and centre, narrating the story, with her playful and sultry persona elevating this dance show to musical heights.
Kuzmin and his team of talented dancers maintain an incredibly high energy throughout, this energy along with Kuzmin’s humour, warmth and showmanship, make for a fun and enjoyable performance.
During the show, Kuzmin shares that he had his first dance lesson in Ukraine when he was four years old and to headline a show like this is his dream come true. You can tell, and it’s a joy to witness.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Cara Brazier