Theatre Review: Flash Mob

Flash Mob is a mixed-style dance extravaganza, and the latest to recruit some Strictly star-power to bring ballroom fans into the theatre. Not that Kevin Clifton & Karen Hauer are the only big names on the bill. Flawless are already household names too, and all of the other members of the highly-talented cast will be familiar to most from other TV dance shows.

The first half was not what I expected at all. There was a gentle narrative, linked together via social media and mobile communications. Then audience are taken on an emotional journey of friendship, love, loss and hope. Alleviate really steal this part of the show. The duo are best known from Sky’s Got To Dance competition, and their lyrical numbers are beautiful. It’s not too often I shed a tear, but their performance moved me to do so.

The second half is more what I anticipated the show to be, but no less enjoyable. The opening scene puts the Mob into Flash Mob, with a scene set in a speakeasy featuring the whole company. There is no storyline for the rest of the show, and each performer gets to show what they do best. Strictly fans will be thrilled by Kevin & Karen’s paso and lyrical rumba. But it is not just their show, and it’s the ensemble nature of Flash Mob which makes it so enjoyable. You are not simply waiting for your favourites to come back on stage, because the other performers are so entertaining. Flawless are exactly that. Tommy Franzén (So You Think You Can Dance UK) works hard as the show’s only solo performer. Brosena (Got To Dance) give the show a touch of Irish dance with a modern twist.

With such a diverse range of dance styles, Flash Mob has something for everyone, culminating in a finale that should get everyone dancing in the aisles.

Flash Mob is on at Saddler's Wells’ Peacock Theatre in London until 8^th June, followed by a UK tour from 11^th June to 2^nd August.

 

Big thanks to the nice people at Sadler's Wells.

Erin Boag Introduces Baby Ewan

Former Strictly pro Erin Boag gave birth to son Ewan on 24th April, and is showing him to the world for the first time in this week's Hello! magazine.

It just so happens that 24th April was also her husband Peter's 50th birthday. She told the magazine: "As I was being taken to the delivery room, I said I wanted Peter to hold him first. When Ewan was born, they wrapped him up, handed him to Peter and I said, ‘Happy Birthday.’ It was a moment I’ll treasure forever."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She also reveals how she told Strictly bosses that she wasn't returning: "We went to see producers in early June and I said, 'Thank you very much, but no thank you.' It was a bit of a shock to them. It was sad, but I was ready. I'd done ten series – it was a great time in my life and I have very happy memories. I loved every series I did, every partner I had. I went out on a high."

 

You can read the whole interview in this week's Hello! magazine (issue 1329).

Claudia To Join Tess As Co-Host

The BBC have announced that Claudia Winkleman will join Tess Daly to permanently take on Strictly presenting duties.

As with the shows where Claudia joined Tess in 2013, Tess will become the show's main presenter, with Claudia interviewing the couples when they have finished their routines.

Tess is looking to continuing their established partnership: “I’m so pleased that I’ll be working with Claudia - she’s long been part of the Strictly family and I’ve loved doing the Sunday show with her. It’s really exciting having two women host the show, and we are great mates so there’ll be lots of fun to be had on and off the dance floor."

Claudia echoes the sentiment: “I have loved Strictly since the second it appeared on our screens and I am honoured and thrilled to now be part of the Saturday night team. Working alongside Tess is always fantastic and I can't wait to spend the weekends with her, our amazing dancers and the greatest judging panel on the planet. Sir Bruce is a living legend and we'll all miss him very much."

Ola Returning?

Ola Jordan has reportedly signed up to return to Strictly Come Dancing.

The List reports that a source told The Sun: "Losing her would have been a blow. Now they hope James will follow her lead."

As always, the BBC are not confirming anything just yet. A spokesperson told the paper: "Discussions are on-going with all professional dancers for Strictly's next series, and the line-up will be announced in due course."

The Jordans have had many reported spats with others. James has reportedly had frequent run-ins with Craig Revel Horwood, which led to the couple being dropped from the live tour which Craig produces. And last year, Ola was the victim of a 'bullying' incident in which Karen Hauer allegedly called her a "rubbish dancer".