Strictlly Come Dancing Live! is an immersive evening filled with all the luscious sparkles and glitz of the show, but also bringing in several moments of its infamously awkward acting and the show’s recent controversies.
As soon as you enter the arena, fans are met with lavish golden curtains draped around the main set, bedazzling array of mirror balls refracting across above the stage. The cheers of over-eager middle-aged women ready for the more risqué elements of Strictly
gave me a chuckle, alongside the hilariously put comment from a lady hooked into buying her children “£5 lollipop sticks stuck to some card”.
Flicking through the programme, I was a little saddened to see a 25p voting system for the night’s celebrity contestant to get their
hands on the glitter ball trophy for a show that was completely rammed (perhaps an app or hyperlink vote would have been better).
This year’s Strictly season has certainly had a rocky start, with controversies behind the scenes and now Wynne Evans axed from the tour after “inappropriate actions”. His page in the brochure is a haunting yet completely unaddressed blip in the show – an awkward way to gloss over further problems, but what can you expect from a show that puts carefree spectacle first?
Ultimately, fans are there to enjoy the dancing, be immersed in the show they know and love, and see their favourite celebrities and dancers perform. It’s a whirlwind extravaganza of all things Strictly and a carefree night where the outside drama are put on
hold.
Other changes were expected or explained, with Johannes being in the current Kinky Boots tour, JB having a “throuple” since he danced with both Lauren and Amy this season, and Nikita (who the ladies went wild for in his shiny pants) taking over for Vito because of issues with his lower back.
As Alan Dedicoat’s famous Strictly announcement plays, audience members shuffled to their seats in anticipation before the curtains finally dropped revealing a gorgeously lit main stage with the iconic staircases, the judges panel and a series of simple platforms filling the dancing area. These platforms added some much-needed levelling throughout the show but felt a little restrictive as the majority of the main dances were limited to the main piece with
backing dancers climbing on and off for effect.
The main stage, with its enormous Strictly logo and decorative screens, was shockingly well-adapted into the space – it felt like I was actually in the show with all the effects, lighting and pyrotechnics.
The show runs through some of the season’s stand-out performances, with each couple, showcasing two dances, with a sprinkling of glamorous professional dancer numbers and a
jaw-droppingly flamboyant performance with all judges and dancers!
Craig Revel-Horwood’s addictive flair dominates the number, but there are equally amazing moments from Anton, Shirley, Motsi (who is new to Strictly Live), and charismatic host Janette Manrara.
Their presence as judges felt a little needlessly awkward at times, with very clearly fabricated moments, cringey acting and irrelevant high scores – since they obviously couldn’t criticise the dancers during a tour performance.
Nevertheless, their personalities shone through the façade, with Anton’s hilarious jabs at Craig’s new album, Craig’s pantomime villain persona as the crowd booed and hissed his “low” 8 scores, Shirley bringing out her iconic tiny shoes, and Motsi with her passion and pizzazz.
The choreography is as thrilling as ever, jam-packing in the dramatic swirls, incredible lifts, and some incredible feats. While I would have appreciated a little more acrobatics or a few
more new numbers being sprinkled in, the dancers gave every moment their all. Personal favourite’s were Jamie Borthwick’s hilarious ketchup jive, Manchester’s winner Sarah Hadland with her Madonna Cha cha (and Wicked Charleston), and Tasha’s astonishing American Smooth. Montell Douglas’ quickstep and both JB’s waltz and samba dances were incredible visual spectaculars too.
The range of costumes are to die for, with some of the most lacy, bejewelled, flowy, and sometimes comedic pieces I’ve ever seen. Every number is perfectly reflected in lavishly detailed costumes of all colours and styles – just dazzling!
The live singers and band were another melodious treat, teaming together the talents of Andrea Grant, Tara McDonald, Duane-Lamonte O’Garrro and Patrick Smyth for some show
stealing moments.
Despite its rocky start and staged moments, the show is so lavishly and passionately replicated for the fans by every dancer, singer, musician, creative and celebrity performer.
The glittering appeal of Strictly is its jazzy showman-ship, imaginative costuming, and incredible dance numbers. It might not push every boundary, but Strictly Come Dancing Live is a fab-u-lous dancing spectacular like no other; a perfect trip out for any dance or Strictly lover.
Strictly Come Dancing Live tours the UK until February 9.
JADAR 