Review: OTI MABUSE: I AM HERE, New Victoria Theatre Woking - Tour
The infinitely charming Oti Mabuse is best known in the UK for her role as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, in which she starred from 2015-2022. Mabuse has now taken her exceptional talent from screen to stage, in her biopic show I Am Here.
Told using reverse chronology, through dance, song and VT, Oti’s story begins in the present day, with a spectacularly glittery mash up of pop songs about show business, featuring songs from Queen and The Greatest Showman among others.
Act One of the show feels light and frothy, telling of how Mabuse met her husband Marius, a fellow competitive dancer, who features heavily onstage with her during the show, with the pair performing some incredible moments together. Stories from her time living in Germany and an irresistible West End medley help make the first half a feel-good, whistle-stop tour of Oti’s recent history. Just before the interval, Mabuse promises to transport us to South Africa and doesn’t disappoint! A wonderful medley of songs and dance styles, with colourful and culturally appropriate costumes finishes the first half on a real high note.
The second half of the show feels much more personal, and our leading lady touches further on her beloved home of South Africa, but also acknowledges the historical troubles the country has come through. Pointing out that her own marriage would have been forbidden under apartheid, she and Marius perform an incredibly powerful and moving piece about love overcoming racism. Themes such as feminism and the role of women in society and family are also explored in the second half of the show, with Mabuse giving a heartfelt tribute to her mother, followed by a short pre-recorded video from her mum (we noticed a few eyes being wiped at that point!)
Oti Mabuse is supported on stage by her husband Marius - an exceptional talent in his own right, ten dancers who don’t put a foot out of place for the entire show and two live vocalists whose wonderful voices perfectly compliment the astounding dance performances. A live four-piece band complete the company, and it is clear that considerable thought has gone into every aspect of the production. The costumes are gorgeous, whilst being practical enough for the intense choreography, and no expense has been spared on sequins and diamantes!
I Am Here is educational, empowering and visually spectacular, and as much fun as its endlessly energetic leading lady.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
Oti Mabuse - I Am Here is currently touring the UK, with tickets available here.