London.
Seen – 11 March 2013
BURN THE FLOOR
Shaftesbury Theatre 210 Shaftesbury Avenue WC2H 8DP To 1 September 2013.
Mon, Wed, Thu 7.30pm Fri-Sat 8pm Mat Thu 3pm Sat, Sun 4pm.
Post-Show Discussion Wed.
Runs 2hr One interval.
TICKETS:0207 379 5399.
www.burnthefloor.com
Review: William Russell 11 March.
Spangles, glitterballs and six packs.
Strictly Come Dancing has a lot to answer for. This latest version of the energetic, relentless touring dance show should keep all who are suffering Strictly withdrawal symptoms happy. They can also enjoy the routines without the chat, which is in its favour. There is no plot, no rhyme nor reason to what they do. But there is no denying the energy or skill of the 18 strong cast.
The weakness is that the show has no star performances to give it focus. Although top billing goes to Robin Windsor and Kristina Rihanofff – in the show until 29 June – they are amazingly lacking in stage presence. She is pretty, he is hunky, but so is everyone – depending on their sex. It is an ensemble piece and although both made an impression on television – he danced with Lisa Riley, the ample one last time round, she with John Sergeant and Jason Donovan among others – they blend so seamlessly into what is in effect a chorus line that they could be anybody.
It is an evening of pelvic thrusts, thrashing limbs, and women turned topsy-turvy by men who seize every opportunity to remove their shirts so they may display their toned torsos. As gymnastics the activities on stage are astonishing, but as dancing the choreography is uninspired and hackneyed.
If there is an arm to arch, a bottom to wiggle, a head to toss they do it regardless, baring the odd tattoo and flashing their snow white molars at the audience the while, with the result that one dance seems much like the one before and the one to come, be it cha-cha-cha or rumba or jive.
The costumes are lavish, the singers par for the course, the tiny band makes lots of noise and the dancers go at it non-stop. All it needs to make it memorable is heart.
Dancers: Jemma Armstrong, Jack Chambers, Kevin Clifton, Santo Costa, Natascha Dejong, Giulia Dotta, Patrick Helm, Faye Huddleston, Ash-Leigh Hunter, Shem Jacobs, Robbie Kmetoni, Janette Manrara, Keoikantse Motsepe, Giselle Peakcock, Aljaz Skorjanec.
Special Guest Stars: Robin Windsor, Kristina Rihanoff, Karen Hauer.
Vocalists: Vonzell Solomon, Peter Saul Blewden.
Director/Choreographer: Jason Gilkison.
Stage Director: Peta Roby.
Lighting: Scott Rogers.
Designer: Ray Klausen.
Sound: Derek Wilson.
Musical Director: Joe Malone.
Costume: Bret Hooper.
Hair: Neale Pirie.
2013-03-12 13:45:02
