It is very rare to find a musical that combines superb choreography and dancing, strong singing voices, good acting and a very strong storyline. Many musicals contain some of these elements but you have to go back to the days of West Side Story to find a show that ticks all the boxes.
That is until this week when the World Premiere production of Flashdance – The Musical exploded on to the stage at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.
Set in Pittsburgh, USA it tells the story of 18-year-old Alex who works as a welder by day and da
nces in the Steel Bar at night. Her dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy but being poor she feels she hasn't got a chance.
It takes a family tragedy to convince her she should follow her dream and make it happen.
The dancing is full of raw and pulsating energy and the show is choreographed by one of the best – Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt deserves so much praise for her performance as Alex. She sings like a dream, acts well and her dancing is breathtaking.
Sharing the limelight as her fellow dancers are Ruthie Stephens as Gloria, Djalenga Scott as Jazmin and Carryl Thomas as Keisha. Their performances are raunchy, energetic and great fun.
Alex's love interest Nick is played by Noel Sullivan from Hearsay and director Kenny Leon got the casting just right. The surprise of the evening is Bruno Langley who plays the screwed up teenager Jimmy Kaminsky. His performance is a world away from his best-known role of Todd Grimshaw in Coronation Street. He has a strong singing voice and his American accent could not be faulted.
This is a feelgood musical and I loved every minute of it. It should not be missed.
Amanda Wilkins Flashdance – The Musical, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne until November 8
