The Stage

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2009

Published Wednesday 28 January 2009 at 17:30 by Pat Ashworth

This TV favourite translates dazzlingly to live performance in front of a huge arena audience. The dancers rejoice in possessing such a giant space, as though having the whole of a beach to themselves, and their enjoyment is infectious.

Depending on the dance and the couple, it can be electric or intimate, sensual or flamboyant. The lighting effects are spectacular, the mirror balls are magic, candelabra descend with elegance and the dresses are simply gorgeous. Everyone has come to support their favourites, and every night of the tour is a chance to vote by text for the champions of that evening, that city.

It’s this competitive element, however artificially contrived, that gives the show its edge. Otherwise it would just be a stunning exhibition of dance. These couples might all be travelling together but the competition goads the judges, Len Goodman, Arlene Phillips, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, into delivering what they’re most famous for, whether it’s a shower of praise or a hail of abuse. They’re as much a part of the entertainment as the dancers themselves.

And when it comes to the final result, the couples are as visibly expectant as if it really matters on this occasion who wins the crown. Nottingham chooses Rachel Stevens and Vincent Simone. I confess to giving my vote to Julian Clary for his extravagance and reckless movement and for the sake of his long-suffering Russian partner, Lilia Kopylova. “She’ll do anything for a bag of parsnips,” he confides to the crowd. Fabulous.