JADAR

★★★★★

Strictly The Professionals is one of two Strictly shows that tours the UK annually, alongside Strictly Come Dancing Live, the spectacular arena tour. Whilst Live sees several of the pros and celebs partnered for a competition, The Professionals just stars most the pros for a dance revue. Live has been touring since 2008, whilst The Pros first toured in 2010 and not again until 2019 – the pandemic postponed the 2020 and 2021 tours but it has toured every year since!

This year’s tour stars Dianne Buswell, Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Graziano Di Prima, Jowita Przystal, Michelle Tsiakkas and Nancy Xu, alongside singers Tara McDonald (the writer and singer of ‘My My My’, who used to sing on the show) and Patrick Smyth (a West End star) – both of whom also starred in the most recent iteration of Strictly Live. Gorka, Luba and Michelle did not star in this year’s Strictly Live so it was great to see them in The Pros.

Directed by Strictly’s Creative Director, Jason Gilkison, the show began with a black-and-white extravaganza, with the men donning camp-tasting half-waistcoats that showed off their killer bods but left the gals and gays drooling for more (and oh, they got it).

The show, like most dance revue, is split into themed segments. Some of the segments see the entire cast perform; some see most; some see some; and some are couple routines. Diversity is also seen in the costumes, the music, and, of course, the dance styles. Gilkison and the other creatives have thrown a lot into this show, determined to make it as eclectic and electric as possible, but it never feels overstuffed or force.

The second number, another group routine, was led by “new girl” Michelle, with fan favourite Graziano taking the male lead. It was great to let Michelle have her moment – especially towards the top of the show. It was made clear that she was part of the Strictly family. Michelle, herself, said that she was made to feel especially welcome by her Strictly sisters – prompting former Strictly pro and host of Strictly: It Takes Two and Strictly Live Janette Manrara, who was sat behind me, to exclaim, “Yes!”

This was, of course, followed by a female number – a feathered female number!

There was unsurprisingly a Barbie segment, what with the popularity of the Barbie number on the last series. Dianne, once again playing Barbie, compared herself to the character – especially because she, like Margot Robbie, is Australian. It was not long until Gorka turned up as Ken, flashing his washboard abs – but he was soon joined by Nikita, also dressed as Ken. Neil, as Alan (perfectly cast, given the fact that both men are often sadly dismissed!), explained that Gorka played Ken on the show but Nikita played him on tour. Nikita was referred to as “Ken Number 2,” prompting Dianne to joke, “Runner up again.” There was then an epic dance battle, ending with a red light Strictly results show, only for Alan to be declared the winner. “Oh, Neil, you finally won something,” exclaimed a sassy Dianne.

Another highlight was the country number, which went through everything from Dolly Parton’s country classic ‘Jolene’ to Beyoncé’s (Cowboy Carter’s) 2024 country-pop bop ‘Texas Hold ‘Em.’

The first act ended with a tantalising tribute to Tina Turner, who sadly passed away last year… on my birthday… Simply the worst…

The second act began with another tribute, this time to Bob Fosse. The men of Strictly have no worries being “femme”, with Carlos wearing a corset and silk gloves as he danced to ‘Big Spender’ (Sweet Charity) with the girls, with Gorka playing the titular big spender and dancing sexually with Carlos and the girls. Graziano and Nikita wore backless waistcoats (the show could not get enough of all these half-made waistcoats!).

Whilst the beginning of the tribute saw the cast wear all-black, they wore glittery gold suits for ‘If My Friends Could See Me Now’ and bohemian clothing for ‘Rhythm of Life’ (both from Sweet Charity).

There was even a tribute to Italy, with Britian’s own Neil once again relegated to the presenter. Italians and Vito were joined by Nikita (a Ukrainian who moved to Italy when he was nine) and Luba (a Russian who has won Italian competitions) – yes, a Ukrainian and a Russian! – as they danced to the little-known ‘Be Italian’ (one of my favourite musical theatre songs) from Nine – complete with tambourines! Luba and Vito then danced to one of the most famous Italian songs of all: ‘Mambo Italiano’.

Karen and Kuba talked about a number that Gorka performed with Helen Skelton, who was in the audience – she was also sat behind me – before Gorka danced it with Jowita.

Later, Vito talked about Hollywood studios. His mention of Disney received a “Woo!” from Disney super-fan Janette, who hosted Disney 100 The Concert, which I was invited to last year.

The show then became quite artsy, with a black and white video of the cast outdoors, save for a few bits of yellow. The cast then took to the stage. Dianne spoke emotionally about the dancers, who come from all over the world, leaving their homes. The show was an extravaganza but it was also personable; we got to know the dancers a little.

Nikita and Vito recreated their iconic ‘Something Just Like This Performance’, with the show clip playing behind them at the beginning and briefly towards the end, as they were joined by the rest of the cast.

The show ended with “Neil’s Fabulous Friendship Finale,” one last tribute – this time to the late, great Strictly pro Robin Windsor. The multi-song number began with Janet Jackson’s ‘Together Again’ – as if by chance, I am listening to Janet right now – a song that Janet wrote about a dearly departed friend. The finale, though gorgeous, could certainly have been grander. There need not necessarily by pyrotechnics or confetti but it could have felt “bigger”. It was, nonetheless, a beautiful tribute and a lovely end to an extravagant showcase of dance, starring some of the world’s best dancers, all of whom star on the nation’s best-loved TV show.

Strictly The Professionals has now ended its run at the Lowry (Lyric Theatre) but you can catch it on tour around the UK until June 1.

Photo: Marc Brenner