Flashdance The Musical Bristol Hippodrome Review
Flashdance The Musical
Bristol Hippodrome
Monday 25 June 2018
7.30pm
Flashdance The Musical, is the stage equivalent of a Gerard Butler movie. Not complex, no surprises, undemanding yet aesthetically pleasing and perfect with a packet of Cadbury’s Nibbles and chilled white wine.
This stage adaptation of the hit 80’s movie, doesn’t punch much emotional clout. It does open after five weeks of Miss Saigon and that is pertinent here. It’s probably an unfair and sharp contrast.
But, it does have an incredible cast of fabulous dancers headed by Joanne Clifton as welder by day, dancer by night Alex, who has set her heart on a place at a high-end dance academy.
With an impossible abundance of energy, the cast do their best with a book that lacks humour and generally feels a bit clunky.
There’s some missed opportunities with the opening welding and other ensemble scenes. It’s possible to add more grit and tension without loosing the buoyancy of the musical’s upbeat feel.
But it’s a good dose of 80’s nostalgia with jazz dance class reminiscing opportunities – just why did we all wear those tiny Lycra pants?
There’s no stunt casting here. Joanne Clifton is pretty fabulous at singing as well as dancing, living up to her international reputation.
Key number What a Feeling, was the highlight of the show, as it should be. And, it was great getting to see the dancers let loose, showing the audience what they can really do during the finale.
We also loved Sasha Latoya as Louise, who managed to bring a surprising depth to the character. And Simeon Beckett loving that Rock and Roll.
Flashdance The Musical, is at The Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday 30 June 2018.
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