Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals, Edinburgh review: 'a heady, sparkling sensation'
With no judging and no celebrities this is a show that celebrates the the real stars of Strictly, writes Alison Gray
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals, Playhouse, Edinburgh ★★★★
There’s a spring treat for fans of Strictly Come Dancing who don't want to wait until September for their annual dose of glitz, glamour and fabulous dancing. Ten of the show’s finest performers have taken to the floor for Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals, a tour that celebrates the talent of the real stars of the TV show, the professional dancers.
With no celebrities or judges to slow down proceedings the show is a heady, sparkling sensation from the off. First-time tour director and choreographer Matt Flint has been inspired by the company before him and incorporated the dancers’ individual styles and personalities to great effect. One of the many highlights of the night was seeing three-time Strictly finalist Gorka Márquez don his corset for a fabulous homage to Cabaret with Under 21 British National Champion and 2024 Strictly finalist Lauren Oakley.
The Bob Fosse-inspired routine to Mein Herr and Money Makes The World Go Round performed by the live band and singer Tara McDonald was everything that fans love about Strictly, fun, glamorous, cool and slick.
Mirroring popular elements from the Saturday night show the audience was treated to ballroom and Latin routines choreographed to songs from the movies performed by McDonald and Patrick Smyth and a glittering disco mash up featuring all the dancers ended the first half.
In an emotional farewell four-time Italian Dance Championship winner Luba Mushtuk, who has been a part of Strictly since 2016 revealed her journey with the show has come to an end.
After skipping a year due the dancers’ various commitments, the Edinburgh crowd was delighted to see this show back, with a matinee added to the tour dates as well as the evening performance.
In one sketch featuring a crystal ball undefeated four-time British National Champion Neil Jones teased us with the question every Strictly fan wants to know – who will host the new season after Tess and Claud? No answer yet.
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