Strictly Ballroom

Strictly Ballroom, probably Australia’s most camp musical, bursts with colour, sparkle, and broad Australian accents, as presented by Drew Anthony Creative at the Royale Theatre.

Perhaps an unusual choice for the tiny Royale stage, great quality projections managed by Travis Badge of Aquixel help to make the space feel larger and smooth the scene transitions, and Kallyanne Brown’s fun choreography makes the most of the limited space. Costumes, designed by Dani Paxton, are a spectacular celebration of ballroom style. 

Having recently seen the current UK tour, comparisons are inevitable, and this production compares very favourably (and not just because the accents in this are better). This incarnation of the script features children Kylie (Scott’s little sister) and her dance partner Luke. Carys Stoneman and Lewis Wagstaff are a delight - not only dancing with precision, but singing beautifully and adding impressive choral narration.

Leading man Scott is given a great combination of arrogance, dorkiness, and lovability in the capable hands of Ethan Churchill, who makes a believable open Amateur Champion. He works beautifully with Kate Sisley, who is a quintessential Fran, and transforming from ugly duckling to a self-confident dancing queen.

Lia Adam is a beautifully over-the-top yet very credible Shirley Hastings, wonderfully matched with Jamie Rolton’s daggy dad Doug (who also reveals his dancing prowess). Alex Graciano is a believable Les Kendall, who owns his scenes, while Robert Hoffman ditches his usual operatic polish and shines as resident bad guy Barry Fife.

Manuao TeAotonga packs a punch and dances with panache as Fran’s father Rico, with Hanna Lucas lovely as aunt, Tia. 

A small cast means actors in smaller roles are playing multiple characters and serving as ensemble, and although this sometimes feels a little tight, solid cameos and high energy make up for the lack of crowd. Phoebe Tempra lives up to her character’s name as Tina Sparkle, Elliot Peacock brings some glamour to JJ Silvers, Lucy Goodrick has fun with poor Liz Holt, Kristopher Long masters the drunken Ken Railings and Tomas Clifford brings ring-of-truth to Wayne. Great work throughout from Rosemary Spelman (Vanessa Cronin), Ciara Taylor (Pam Short and others), Ruby Voss (Natalie and others) and Allen Blachford (in many roles).

Singing is impressive throughout under the guidance of Musical Director Jarrad van Dort and Music Supervisor Joe Louis Robinson, and musical accompaniment is a mix of live and recorded music.

Kimberley Shaw