JADAR

★★★★☆

Strictly Come Dancing stars Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara unite once more for a night of sizzling shimmies and dazzling displays.

Aljaž and Janet are no newcomers to touring, starring in multiple Remember productions alongside Strictly Come Dancing Live. Their previous production, A Night to Remember, delved into history’s most iconic musicians and their influences on modern pop. Similarly, this show promises a celebration of the incredible composers, producers, and songwriters that have reshaped genres, defined generations, and transcended their medium.

The ensemble remains largely the same with trumpeter and musical director Jack Tinker, saxophonist Chris Aldridge, percussionist Viro Vultaggio and organist Greg Coulson returning with the addition of bassist Danny Miller. Dancers Kiera Brunton, Natasha Mould, and Tonyé Scott-Obené also return, this time accompanied by Lochie McDougall.

They’re also joined by pianist and vocalist Tom Seals whose soulful riffs neatly paired with powerhouse Jill Marie Cooper’s breathtakingly versatile performances.

The show’s boldest feature is its stylishly synchronised visuals. Doug Cairns’ set and Carol Howard’s costumes are gloriously cohesive, their slick monochromic flourishes pop through each feature. Sharply contrasting pantsuits are accented by glossy brogues, while floaty white cocktail dresses are splashed with a myriad of musical notes and swishy piano keys. They’re mirrored by rearrangeable black and white platform blocks and speckled silvery note adorned framing, finished with an eye-catching curtained archway centre-stage.

Less coherent is the show’s jumbled structure. Act one primarily focuses on Broadway and the silver screen, with numerous numbers from the American Songbook making their appearance. It moves between the glamour of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin, the Latin rhythms of West Side Story, and the striking kicks and curling hands of Bob Fosse. Disco beats and film compositions break it up, alongside various unique routines. Act two features extraordinary artists like Carole King, The Beatles, and Quincy Jones, with sections also dedicated to iconic love songs and powerhouse female songwriters. The variation is more refreshing that the show-tune heavy first act, yet it still sits jarringly against each other, lacking chronology as they hop back-and-forth between genres and eras. It’s a little disjunct.

This isn’t aided by clunky staged dialogue and a slew of awkwardly lingering cringy jokes (including a mispronunciation of “direction” exciting a woman in the front row). Through the cracks, fleeting glimpses of their genuine personalities shone through with amusing outbursts and touching connections to their fans. Janette is eloquent as ever, Aljaž teasing that she should be the next Strictly presenter. Aljaž’ playful personality and poised posture compliment Janette’s mesmerising moves.

Choreography-wise, Gareth Walker creates a lot of variety with contemporary story-focused dances, jazzy theatrical numbers, energetic Latin jives, and swishy ballroom dances. There are showy lifts, spinning embraces, and several engaging duets and ensemble numbers. Despite this, I was never swept away or emotionally captivated like I’ve been with previous productions. 

Regardless, Aljaž and Janette: Let’s Face the Music and Dance is night of carefree, jazzy fun, with slick designs, fast-paced routines, dynamic music, and engaging storytelling. With a little tweaking to the heavy scripting and clunky structure, the show could truly become a night to remember.

Aljaž and Janette tour the UK with Let’s Face the Music and Dance until May 6.

Photo: Carys Griffiths