Review: STRICTLY BALLROOM, New Wimbledon Theatre - UK tour
Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
The brand-new touring production of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom is currently swinging through London, bringing a gust of hairspray, rhinestones and very bold eye shadow to the staid streets of Wimbledon.
Fans of the 1992 film and even the previous West End musical production may be a little disappointed by this latest iteration of Luhrmann’s lavish love song to the world of Australian open amateur ballroom dancing. The brash, broad bogun accents are there (although some of them need considerable work) and there’s enough rhinestones to make even Dolly Parton wince but there’s something missing at the heart of this production.
Kevin Clifton (of Strictly Come Dancing fame) plays Scott Hastings, the darling of the open amateur ballroom circuit who feels hemmed in by the rules and regulations of the ballroom federation as he longs to dance his own steps. Against his family and federation president Barry Fife’s wishes, Scott finds a kindred spirit in Fran (played on this leg of the tour by another Strictly Come Dancing alum and Eastenders star Maisie Smith). Together they learn some important lessons about dancing and, inevitably, life.
The last UK touring and West End production of the Strictly Ballroom musical cut most of the original songs from the show and was presented as more of a jukebox musical. Here, the original score has been reinstated, but actually to the detriment of the show.
Kevin Clifton charms as Hastings, and those primarily familiar with his work as a professional dancer might be pleasantly surprised by the power of his singing voice. Maisie Smith does her best with the role of mousy beginner turned dazzling dancing wonder Fran but she isn’t aided by Craig Revel Horwood’s direction. Any genuine affection, chemistry or tenderness between these two is sacrificed to bawdy gags and neither particularly stand out against an ensemble of cartoonish characters.
Choreography by Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison is thankfully diverting, showcasing an array of Ballroom and Latin styles to delight any fans of Strictly Come Dancing. Although the director seems reluctant to have any fewer than 10 ensemble members on stage at any given time, leaving no moment for nuance or tenderness or character development between our romantic leads.
Mark Walters’ set and costume design is a series of hits and misses. Tina Sparkle’s costume for the ‘fruity mamba’ had nary a banana in sight and made her accompanying solo number replete with fruit puns a bit baffling. Similarly peculiar is the decision to costume Fran’s family at their Spanish fiesta in what looked like the wardrobe from a production of Newsies.
Strictly Ballroom is a diverting bit of fluff and sparkle if you don’t expect too much from it.
** Two stars
Reviewed by: Livvy Perrett
Strictly Ballroom is currently booking until July 2023, with tickets for select touring venues available here.