The Stage

Midnight Tango

Published Wednesday 1 February 2012 at 11:01 by Sarah Frater

Midnight Tango is a dance showcase for Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, and it is worth almost every minute. The pair found fame on Strictly Come Dancing and have thrilled audiences ever since with their exuberant dancing and theatrical charisma. Tango purists may question some of their moves but few could fault this tightly directed, expertly produced show (as you would expect with Arlene Phillips as co-producer), not to mention the able musicians of Tango Siempre who are perched at the back of the stage and form an integral part of the performance.

Romina Godoy and Leandro Palou in Midnight Tango at the Aldwych Theatre Photo: Tristram Kenton

The show is set in a bar, late at night, when revellers come out to play. It very loosely depicts the comings and romantic goings of six couples, set against the seen-it-all older pair who run the bar. Flavia and Vincent are the central lovers, with her torn between two men. However, as with all good shows, all comes well in the end. In between are a series of dance numbers, both group and pairs, all sharply choreographed by Flavia and Vincent themselves. Sung sections are provided by Miguel Angel. The ensemble are nimble and polished, with a diversity of stylistic interpretation although the fleet footwork of the men, particularly in the opening moments, deserves special mention.

Morgan Large’s set and James Whiteside’s lighting design also deserve mention - between them they exactly catch a late-night vibe, with a bar to one side, musicians the other, and the tumble down mood of an urban night spot.