By Katie Bray and Jay Darcy
Unlike the arena tour, Strictly: The Professionals is less of a recreation of the season’s highlights and more of a celebration of all things Strictly.
This year’s line-up is made up of Julian Caillon, Vito Coppola, Neil Jones, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Lauren Oakley, Jowita Prystał, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu.
Series newcomers Alexis and Julian shared this season’s highs and lows, while the veterans reminisced about their experiences, honoured late legends, and reflected on previous outstanding performances. The pairing of narration and exaggerated dance during the rehearsal behind the scenes tour was a particularly entertaining touch, as were the seamless transitions during the movie montage. Audiences were also taught a disco boogie, and invited to choose two professionals for the new improvised ‘instant dance’ segment.
There was not a linear narrative nor a main theme. Rather, the show jumped from one topic to another, but most of them complimented each other nicely. Perhaps the best theme was movies, which is probably the fan-favourite category of the TV show. Nancy honoured her Chinese heritage with Mulan whilst Gorka tackled his celebrated Cabaret performance.
The scripting and transitions are often a weak point for Strictly shows, with corny dialogue dominating long-winded discussions. Indeed, some moments are still a little cheesy, and a couple of the routines feel randomly chucked into the mix. However, Professionals keeps things surprisingly real, scripted scenes delivered with levity and confidence by a range of cheeky personalities. Neil particularly excels as a host with his witty charm and endearing charisma. And it would be a sin not to compliment his wacky glitterball helmet and Jack Black beard… He’s a natural performer to say the least. Kai also wowed with his eloquent alliterated introductions before numerous ritzy routines with a slew of domineering femme fatales. Some of the dancers appear less natural, and sometimes even a little awkward, when speaking, but it was nice to hear from all of them.
Joshua Grace’s set design is simple but charmingly immersive, referencing the Strictly ballroom and bringing the flashy lights and famously vivid colour palettes to the theatre. The steps and screens are rimmed with neon bars, accompanied by rows of pulsating bulbs, and an array of swooping spotlights. I’m not usually partial to screens in theatre but Leo Flint’s video design is flashy and dynamic. Each routine was decorated with its own backdrop, alternating between abstract flashes of colour and elaborate or stylised environments.
Vicky Gill’s costumes are aptly glitzy and glamorous with bedazzled bodices, sheer shirts, and gorgeously floaty skirts. This year there’s lots of tassels; shimmying turquoise tops and miniskirts, cutesy country ware, and shimmering cocktail dresses.
The range of music was incredible, all brought to life by a band of five led by powerhouse vocalist Tara McDonald and the mellifluous Patrick Smyth. The song list for dance shows is often quite generic and clichéd but this show benefitted from more ambitious musical direction, incorporating both classics and lesser-known songs, which only certain groups of people will know, such as Eleni Foureira’s ‘Fuego’, which came second at Eurovision in 2018.
Strictly The Professionals is expertly directed and designed, generally sticking to what its knows best but also thinking outside of the box to keep things fresh but also memorable amidst so many other Strictly adjacent touring shows.
Strictly The Professionals tours the UK until May 30.
JADAR 