Strictly Come Dancing favourites Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith star in this brand-new Craig Revel Horwood-directed & co-choreographed production, based on Baz Lurhmann’s iconic 1992 film of the same name. 

Set in Australia, the show follows the fortunes of rebellious young ballroom dancer Scott Hastings (Clifton). During official competitions, Scott defies the Australian Dancing Federation by performing steps which are not strictly ballroom. Losing his regular partner, he ends up dancing with Fran (Smith), a beginner at the same studio. She makes up for her lack of experience by bringing to their performances an impressive rhythm and no small amount of enthusiasm.

During a recent interview about the show, Craig Revel Horwood explained: “Everyone who watches Strictly Come Dancing is seeing the glossy side of it, but Strictly Ballroom delves into the hearts and minds of the people doing the dancing - the trials and tribulations they have to go through in order to get to that competition standard.” 

Craig himself has an impressive CV. A choreographer, dancer, actor and writer (not just the grumpy judge on Strictly Come Dancing for the past 20 years!), he is highly regarded within the theatrical world. His influence is much in evidence throughout Strictly Ballroom. Each scene is flawlessly executed. The musical numbers and choreographed routines are, as Craig himself would say, fab-u-lous, darling! The sets and glittering gowns are magnificent, with just the right amount of over-the-top sparkle.

Clifton and Smith as the lead characters are an absolute delight, fostering between them an engaging rapport that further enhances their already breathtaking dance routines. They’re both excellent singers too and duet perfectly. Smith in particular has a fabulous voice, nowhere more evident than in her opening rendition of Beautiful Surprise.   

The pair are ably supported by an extraordinarily talented group of high-quality performers who firmly put the spotlight on the real star of the show - the ballroom dancing. The paso doble is particularly powerful - from Rico (Jose Agudo) teaching Scott to dance it with his heart rather than just performing the steps, to Scott and Fran’s epic presentation of the routine at the end of the show.

Strictly Ballroom is a feelgood musical that’s positively bursting with energy, from the explosive opening scene to the very last note. Coming complete with a score featuring a host of much-loved numbers, including Love Is In The Air and Time After Time, the show makes for a fun, engaging and often-mesmerising night out, whether you know your waltz from your quickstep or not. 

Four stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at Birmingham Hippodrome on Monday 31 October. Strictly Ballroom The Musical continues to show at the venue until Saturday 5 November. The production then returns to the Midlands in 2023 to play Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 February.