Ever wondered what the professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing get up to when they’re not dancing with our favourite celebrities on national television?  They travel across the UK and dazzle live audiences, that’s what!  Strictly’s Creative Director Jason Gilkison brings us a fabulous new tour showcasing the talent of just a few of the nation’s favourite ballroom dancers.

The dancer line up consists of Strictly favourites Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Kai Widdrington, as well as Jake Leigh temporarily filling in for Cameron Lombard, and Arduino Bertoncello, the co-creator of Rose and Giovanni’s iconic BAFTA nominated Couple’s Choice routine. 

From the get-go, the company bring their high energy and passion for dance to the stage to truly capture the audience’s attention for the whole two hours.  Not only do the dancers share some fiery and breathtaking routines, but they each share anecdotes and thoughts from their backgrounds and personal journeys with dance, giving audience members the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the performance.

Like on the TV show, the Strictly pro’s dance all of their routines with the accompaniment of live music from the glorious Strictly Come Dancing band.  A Strictly regular since 2006, the band is musically directed by Jeff Leach and features vocalists Tara McDonald and Patrick Smyth to create a sublime sound to complement a range of ballroom dance styles.  The song selections for the show are strong choices and are well suited to all of the routines, including some musical numbers to fit viewers’ favourite themed weeks from the show, such as Movie Week and Musicals Week.

It wouldn’t be Strictly Come Dancing without the glitz and glamour of the costumes, and the Professionals tour is no exception.  Costume designer Vicky Gill has always done a splendid job of creating gorgeous outfits for celebrities and professionals alike to dance the night away in on the TV, but the cameras really do not do Gill’s handiwork justice.  Every single costume worn onstage really captures the very essence of each routine, from the simpler satin shirts to the more extravagant embellished dresses, it’s practically impossible to pick a favourite outfit from such an exquisite collection.  One thing’s for sure, as Gill’s costumes prove - you can never have too many sequins!

Surrounding the dancers and the band throughout the show is the lighting design of Richard Jones.  From a striking pre-set before the show to lighting states for each number that seamlessly match the tone of the choreography and music, Jones has put careful consideration into every aspect of the lighting which clearly shows.  Of course, a Strictly tour has to feature a dazzling glitter ball or three, and each of these are lit perfectly to light up the audience, both literally and metaphorically.

Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals is an absolutely fabulous production which can only be described as a sequined sensation.  Every aspect of the show enamors audience members and together make for one truly spectacular show.  Whether with a sassy Salsa, a tantalizing Tango, or a chirpy Charleston, you’ll want the show to go on forever and for the Strictly pros to “keeeep dancing!”.  A show which would surely be a “ten from Len” is five stars from us, Besties!  To describe the show in one word:  FAB-U-LOUS!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jess Dalloway

Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals plays at the Lowry again tonight (29 April) and tours the country until the end of May, with tickets available here.