Flashdance the Musical - Stoke-on-Trent

Reviewed By: Liz Rowley

It's 25 years since Flashdance first burst into cinemas presenting viewers with the most famous (and arguably sexiest) female welder in film history, not to mention one of disco's greatest anthems.

Now, in an age where nothing in musical theatre is impossible, the stage show of the popular movie is currently touring the UK and last night it was creating sparks at the Regent Theatre.

Starring Bernie Nolan, former Coronation Street star Bruno Langley and ex-Hear'say member Noel Sullivan, it kicked off its week-long stay in style with a thriving audience ready to inhale everything it had to offer.

But while these names headlined the cast, Flashdance The Musical offered so much more.

Take Victoria Hamilton-Barritt for example. There aren't many who could fill the dancing shoes of Jennifer Beals (the original leading lady who brought part-time welder/dancer Alex Owens's dream to life) but she managed it with infinite ease taking the audience on a journey that was passionate, exhausting and exhilarating. The final routine in which she danced for her life to What A Feeling was breathtaking and there's no doubt she deserved the standing ovation that followed.

Likewise, Ruthie Stephens's Gloria was so alive you almost forgot she wasn't real and Bernie Nolan's presentation of Alex's mum, Hannah, was heartfelt and comical.

There were great performances from Noel Sullivan and Bruno Langley who both lived up to the task of bringing characters Nick Hurley and Jimmy Kaminsky to life, with Langley in particular presenting a mature performance of a man ruined by drugs.

Add to this a fantastic, sleek set and a great live band conducted by musical director Dave Rose and you've got all the ingredients for a great night out.

© This Is The Sentinel, 25/11/08

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