Flashdance the Musical - Belfast

Reviewed By: Stacey Heaney

Flashdance sent sparks flying at the Grand Opera House, Belfast last night (Monday) on the opening night of its six night run as part of the World Premiere tour of the show.

Noel Sullivan and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt star as Nick Hurley and Alex Owens in Flashdance - The Musical.

Most people will know and love the 1983 film and the hit music it generated, and the theatre show didn't disappoint, truly bringing the story to life with superb performances all round.

With choreography from Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips, the dance sequences were simply stunning. Fast-paced, energetic and skillfully manouvered; the cast showed their talent, performing moves others can only dream about.

It wasn't just the dancing which impressed, however, as the acting and vocal performances were equally remarkable.

Relative newcomer Victoria Hamilton-Barritt took on the leading role of Alex Owens with aplomb.

A welder by day and 'flashdancer' by night, Alex dreams of being a dancer, but seems to have accepted that strutting her stuff in a local bar at night is all she will achieve.

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt.Instead she spends her days working in the local mill, which is struggling given the impending recession.

Former Brookside star and Nolan Sister, Bernie Nolan, produced a fabulous display as Alex's mother Hannah, who encourages her daughter to apply for a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy.

Meanwhile, Alex has fallen for her boss' nephew, Nick Hurley, played by former Hear'Say star Noel Sullivan, who starred as the handsome, likeable Hurley and displayed his magnificent vocal and acting ability.

One of the stand-out performances belonged to Bruno Langley as Jimmy Kaminsky, a messed-up teenager whose desperation leads to tragic consequences. Best known as Coronation Street's Todd Grimshaw, Langley showed his wonderful acting skills as the desperate teen, as well as a fine vocal range.

Featuring all the hits from the movie including Maniac, Gloria and, of course, What A Feeling, Flashdance will see you leave the theatre with a smile on your face and the songs in your head for days afterward.

A fantastic musical with fantastic performances, Flashdance will certainly become a crowd favourite and is sure to be West End bound.

© The Ulster Star, 17/3/09

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