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Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom – The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre this week.
Based on the film, co-written and directed by Baz Luhrmann as his debut film and first of his trilogy of red curtain films (the subsequent being Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!), this musical is a quirky and uplifting romantic comedy set in the world of competitive ballroom dancing in Australia.
Strictly Ballroom actually began life nearly ten years before the film release as a stage play by Luhrmann, so when the film inspired the musical adaptation it was kinda more of a homecoming.
A homecoming feeling that was what connected with Craig Revel Horwood to go on and direct and co-choreograph this production of Strictly Ballroom. Craig is a household name here in the UK as a tv personality, ballroom dancer and choreographer but who actually heralds from Australia himself.
This show is a loud, striking romantic comedy explosion. The costumes, the characters and moves are larger and louder than life. Those loudest moments really make the softest, quietest moments touching and very sweet. This is also down to the performance of Faye Brookes as Fran, the beginner ballroom dancer who finds a kindred spirit in Scott, as both want to break off constraints and dance their own way.
Yup this has all romance of Romeo + Juliet – but instead of dying together they get to dance together. Wonderful!
Strictly Ballroom Production Photos taken on 30th September 2022 at the Kins Theatre , Potsmouth
This show will make you bop with its soundtrack, ahhh at the costumes, smush to the romance and have you cha cha changing your plans this week to make it over to Milton Keynes Theatre to catch it before they twirl away to the next stop of their tour.
Note: In the performance I saw, the role of Scott was played by Edwin Ray.
Strictly Ballroom – The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre Monday 3 – Saturday 8 March 2023
Tickets were kindly gifted by Milton Keynes Theatre but they have zero control over what I post, or say about the performance – that’s all me! Thank you for your support. 🖤
LouBou 