Flashdance the Musical - Birmingham

Reviewed By: The Stirrer Team

Flashdance - The Musical is a translation of the 1983 film that opened to unflattering reviews but went on to win massive audiences and a host of musical awards. Terry Wills assesses the stage version.

In July 2008, 25 years after its cinema release, Flashdance – The Musical received its world premiere at Plymouth's Theatre Royal.

The producers naturally hoped a successful nationwide tour would result in finding it a ‘permanent' home in London's West End.

In that context a stint at Birmingham's renowned Hippodrome Theatre is an essential showcase.

So here it is. A high octave, all singing, energetic, not to say frenetic, production that leaves an audience making their way home with the award winning title song “What a feeling” ringing in the ears.

It's chronicles the story of 18-year-old female welder, Alex Owens, working in a Pittsburgh steel factory during the day and who supplements her income dancing in the tawdry Steel Club club at night.

A feisty female she holds a burning ambition to be a professional ballet dancer.

But self-taught and lacking what she feels is the necessary training required to apply for an audition at a prestigious dance academy, it's left to her mother, Hannah, to push Alex to complete an application form that if accepted could see her achieve her dream.

There are twists and turns before the closing scene when Alex, has to audition before dubious examiners she feels have pre-judged her dancing capabilities due to her lack of formal training.

Along the way we're introduced to dance club friends, Gloria, Jazmin, and Keisha, who along with Alex, catch the eye of a rival pole dancing club owner who's determined to ‘persuade' them to work in his Skindeep Club.

Without doubt the success of Flashdance revolves around the dancers and their interpretation of the 80s hits, “Gloria”, “Manic”, and “I Love Rock and Roll”, all performed against a background of pounding high-energy music.

The choreography, raunchy in the extreme, is the brain child of Arlene Phillips and as far removed from what she judges on Strictly Come Dancing as can be imagined!

Principals include Noel Sullivan (four top ten hits with Hear'Say) playing steel mill owner Nick Hurley, whose love for Alex and desire to see her achieve her ambition lead the Academy to grudgingly granting her an audition.

Bernie Nolan best remembered for starring in The Bill and for her musical role in Blood Brothers plays Hannah, while Bruno Langley, aka Todd Grimshaw in Coronation Street, is the troubled Jimmy Kaminsky - his first taste of musical theatre but nevertheless a promising debut.

Of the girls, special mention has to be made of Ruthie Stephens as Gloria, a sassy blonde who when trapped between the respective club owners desperate to retain, or obtain, her services plays the troubled part to perfection.

Which only leaves THE undoubted star of Flashdance. A new name to me, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt.

Her CV shows UK and European theatre tours in addition to understudying the role of Lisa in the West End smash hit Mamma Mia.

But without doubt this stunning portrayal of Alex, must ensure her name is high on any list of casting directors when it comes to choosing principal roles for future musical productions.

Whether singing or dancing, she takes centre stage in a manner befitting a seasoned performer, and when eventually auditioning for the snooty judges the audience are left in raptures watching her dancing expertise.

Lithe, acrobatic, sensual…all the vital ingredients are encompassed in an enthralling performance.

And in the inevitable a reprise of the eagerly awaited smash hit “What A Feeling” (dressed in a shimmering silver dress) and accompanied by the hugely talented cast, the audience are more than happy to join in with rhythmic clapping and applause.

You don't have to take my word for it. Arlene Phillips admitted she was the outstanding candidate and a natural for the leading role. And let's face it there are not many better judges when it comes to recognising genuine musical talent.

Flashdance is "different" if compared alongside traditional musicals but if any Stirrer readers do have doubts all I can say is it's worth the admission money alone just to see this major star of the future dancing and singing ‘What a Feeling'.

So remember the name. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt!

© The Stirrer, 7/2/09

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