Flashdance the Musical - Edinburgh

Reviewed By: Lindsay Corr

The new trend for recreating popular 80s dance films as fully fledged live musicals continues as Flashdance explodes onto the stage, hot on the tracks of other adaptations like Footloose and Dirty Dancing.

The iconic film was a 1983 box office success despite critics negative remarks about the unbelievable storyline and controversy over leading lady Jennifer Beals doing very little of the “Flashdancing”. However, if you’re not a fan of the movie, don’t let that put you off catching the live, updated show. Reworked for today’s audience, this Flashdance is more exciting than its silver screen predecessor, and a hell of a lot cooler.

The stage version retains the bare bone Cinderella story structure of the film – we follow the story of Alex (Victoria Hamilton-Barritt), a female welder by day and exotic dancer by night as she struggles against the economic backdrop of the 80s and lacks the self-belief to realise her dream of joining the prestigious Shipley ballet school, while being pursued by presumed yuppie and new boss Nick (Noel Sullivan). New additions include the role of Hannah (Bernie Nolan) as Alex’s supportive mother determined to see her daughter’s dreams come true and weak-willed waster Jimmy (Bruno Langley) who will do anything to get a break.

From the opening scene of the ‘Working Man’s Orchestra’, set against the drilling and pounding atmosphere of the steel workers’ life through to the daring nightmare ballet sequence in Act 2, this production is fresh, energetic and bold. Featuring the memorable scenes from the movie interspersed with new storylines, it’s all played out against a scorching score of new songs especially composed for the touring musical and a string of hits from the original soundtrack including ‘Manhunt’, ‘Maniac’, ‘Gloria’ and, of course, ‘What a Feeling’.

Taking inspiration from all avenues, Flashdance plays out like the love child of modern musicals like Rent and modern dance films like Step Up, while retaining nostalgic value which is superbly executed through Arlene Phillips’ diverse, exciting and extremely sexy choreography; delivered exuberantly by a superb ensemble of dancers who have all been given a chance to display their body-popping talents. Kenny Leon’s direction marries perfectly with the dance sequences as the spoken scenes retain vitality and are delivered with warmth and humour.

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt in the lead role is an inspiration. She is fresh, beautiful, warm, has a belter of a voice and dance moves that stir awe in the engrossed audience. Bernie Nolan easily captivates and the duets between mother and daughter are beautifully composed and delivered. Bruno Langley as Jimmy shows acting doesn’t have to take a back seat in musical theatre, as he twitches about the stage in his grey hoodie and delivers his number, ‘You Can’t Keep Me Down’, with understated aplomb and Noel Sullivan has found his forte in musical theatre; his velvet tones are a joy and he takes to the role of uptight, awkward Nick with loveable affection.

Nothing about Flashdance is groundbreaking, but you cannot deny the fresh energy unleashed by a talented creative team and cast who tick every box and then some.

This is a fast-paced, thumping and raunchy production that will have you shimmying in your seat. This is a modern musical with real vigour that proves irresistible. ****

© The Guide, 18/9/08

<< back