Flashdance the Musical - Bradford

Reviewed By: Steve Burbridge

Having grown up in the eighties, I love the nostalgia that the current wave of theatre productions based in that era evokes, whether it be Fame, Footloose or Flashdance.

The latter is now on a nationwide tour and stormed into Sunderland Empire, last night, for a week-long residency.

Flashdance tells the story of Alex Owens, a feisty streetwise girl from Pittsburgh. By day Alex works as a welder at Hurley’s Steel Mill but at night she is a ‘flashdancer’ at a local club. Her dream is to get the chance to audition for the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy.

The production opens with an effective slow-motion piece entitled ‘Working Man’s Orchestra’ which seems to perfectly illustrate the toil and monotony of working in the steel mill. After that it’s break-neck speed all the way!

Choreographed by the fearsome, but extremely talented, Arlene Phillips (of Strictly Come Dancing fame), the routines were breathtakingly ambitious and perfectly performed by an energetic young ensemble. I got the feeling that it was more than their life’s worth to put a foot out of place!

The score is filled with catchy numbers including Maniac, I Love Rock’n’Roll, Gloria and the highly anticipated signature number, What A Feeling. However, my favourite was the poignant duet between Alex and her mother, You’re Not Done.

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt gave a sensational performance as the young heroine, Alex, which combined fine acting, strong singing, great dancing and a gift for comic timing. I’m certain that a long and illustrious career lies ahead of her.

Her put-upon mother, Hannah, was played by the fantastic Bernie Nolan. I am a huge admirer of Bernie and won’t hear a bad word said about her. I first saw her perform live on stage when she made the role of ‘Mrs Johnstone’ in Blood Brothers her own, at Darlington Civic Theatre ten years ago. Although the role of Hannah is not huge it is significant and it requires an actress of Bernie’s calibre and ability to bring it to life. She doesn’t squander a single opportunity to shine nor does she attempt to steal the show, although I’m sure she could if she wanted to. Her voice is strong, clear and powerful, yet tender and gentle at the same time. Magnificent.

Noel Sullivan may have left his Hear’Say days behind him and proved his worth as a successful romantic lead, but his fans were out in force, screaming and cheering every time he entered a scene. His performance as Nick Hurley, the nephew of the steel mill owner, who takes a fancy to Alex, indicates that there is a bright future in the musical theatre world for him.

Bruno Langley gave a fine performance as good-boy-gone-bad Jimmy Kaminsky. It is always difficult for actors who have achieved fame through soaps to be allowed to be taken seriously as versatile performers with genuine talent and ability. However, I believe that Bruno has now defied any potential doubters.

Other notable performances were given by Ruthie Stephens, Djalenga Scott, Carryl Thomas, Michael Conway and Simon Harvey.

Flashdance is a high octane, vibrant and entertaining production. What a feeling!

© UK Theatre Network, 21/10/08

<< back