The Stage

Simply Ballroom

Published Tuesday 7 February 2006 at 17:15 by Mike Martin

Following a resurgence of mass interest in ballroom dancing inspired by television, it was inevitable that a show such as this would take to the road.

Director Alan Harding has succeeded in staging a glorious production, full of all the best elements of old time glamour yet laced with modern credibility. There is never a dull moment as we are taken on a warm journey through the history of popular dance, rich with humour, nostalgia and optimism. The colourful, classy costumes of Jane Dixon are shown off by a young and vibrant cast of truly excellent, world class dancers. Full of smiles and energy, the eight couples set the stage ablaze with a string of faultlessly conceived routines. Top marks to choreographers Anton de Beke and Erin Boag.

It would be unfair to single out particular individual performers for praise as they are all of such high quality, but I will just underline the talents of Bruce Lait and Crystal Main who have represented Great Britain all over the world. A show of endless highlights including tributes to Fred Astaire and the passion of the tango. At one point the entire audience are involved in a samba lesson.

A superb on stage band, led by Simon Coles, are used to maximum effect, as are the singers Simon Coulthard and Kate Galston. It is all held together by the veteran talents of that marvellous old trouper Lionel Blair. Still on form, although a tad stiffer than he once was, Blair is showbusiness personified.