Burn the Floor, one of the world’s biggest dance companies, is back, with a new show headed by Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola – the two most recent Strictly winners.
The set is more interesting than most other shows headed by Strictly dancers, which often consists of some steps and a screen. Red Hot and Ready, however, has two sets of stairs and multiple screens of varying sizes, giving the production a dramatic, cinematic feel. It’s reminiscent of Katy Perry’s current tour, albeit on a much smaller scale.
Whilst most Strictly shows open with the company, before the lead star(s) makes a grand entrance, this show opened with Dianne and Vito. Whilst it’s refreshing to do something different, their entrance lacked drama and excitement. They swanned onstage rather than popping up suddenly, surrounded by dazzling dancers who had just warmed the stage up for them.
The other dancers – Jaih Betote, Rose Carne, Lois Faith, Talia Fowler, Robbie Kmetoni, Harijs Locs, and Ana Riera – then arrived and delivered a thrilling opening number, with the divine Sam Turrell on vocals.
“There’s still one more person you haven’t met,” said Sam, as Lois Faith swanned onstage and shouted, “Me!,” before showing off her mighty vocals.
The show went awhile without any talking; I thought it might be a show without talking, like Karen and Gorka’s shows. But then Dianne and Vito began talking and did not stop. They went on and on. There were some pretty funny moments (e.g. “Ant and Dec.” “Ah, yes, Anton Du Beke!”) but the comedy did not always land, thanks to both the writing and the delivery. Dianne and Vito are both thoroughly likeable but this comedy sketch was at best clunky and at worst cringe-worthy.
All the talking became tiresome, especially because the comedy did not bring the house down. Aljaž & Janette and Anton & Giovanni talk quite a bit in their shows but they have stronger chemistry and are more naturally funny.
The personal nature of the show was lovely. Dianne and Vito both spoke openly about being away from home (Australia and Italy, respectively). I had wondered why these two dancers had been paired, other than being the two most recent winners, but this link made it work. Dianne also spoke about being ethnically Italian.
One of the best numbers was the rewritten ‘Pink Pony Club’ by Chappell Roan, in which other dancers portrayed Dianne’s family. We were told the story of Dianne leaving home. Rewritten lyrics include, “I’m having wicked dreams of leaving Bunbury.”
“What have you done?” mimed Dianne’s mother. “I’m just having fun!” mimed Dianne. Her parents then watched her win at home, with other dancers dressed as Tess and Claudia, complete with the latter’s signature fringe. It was a hilarious number – and much stronger than the comedy sketches.
In Act 2, Vito spoke about his love for his little brother, which I massively related to – and this feeling was enhanced as I was there with my mother. As he spoke, two male dancers, portraying Vito and his brother, danced together, before Vito, himself, danced with a man. It’s always lovely to see men dance together, especially when it is desexualised – men can be affectionate with each other and love each other platonically!
A highlight of the show was definitely the music. Gareth Weedon’s musical direction is some of the best I have ever seen (and heard!) in a Strictly show. The sound was amazing. His rearrangements were bold and slick. The band consisted of him on keyboards and Henry Soriano and drums and percussion – it’s always nice to have live musicians and not just rely on backing tracks.
There were some great costumes, though not as impressive as those seen in some other Strictly shows. The lighting was lively and electric, and the use of screens was excellent.
It’s a good show, but sadly, and ironically, the weakest part is the dancing. For a dance show, there is not nearly enough dancing. The numbers themselves were mixed, and the choreography could have been more technical and interesting at times, but it was all very finely danced. Some members of the company got to show off their impressive skills, especially Jaih, in brief moments; it’s a shame that they did not get to do more of this.
The title, Red Hot and Ready, is a bit misleading, and the promotional material is giving bait and switch. I was expecting the show to be fierce, feisty and fiery, à la Karen and Gorka’s Firedance. But beyond the red-coloured opening number (‘Summertime Sadness’ by Lana Del Rey and ‘Red Hot and Ready’ by Y&T), it lacked fire. It was, instead, more emotional and touching; it was focused on leaving home, chasing your dream, and finding success – which is, itself, a great theme, so I wish it had been billed as that.
Red Hot and Ready is full of jubilance and joy. There are some questionable creative decisions but it has been made with love and affection. It is a celebration of making your dreams come true but never forgetting where you come from.
Dianne and Vito tour the UK with Red Hot and Ready until July 26.
Photo: Burn the Floor
JADAR 