Flashdance the Musical - Ipswich

Reviewed By: Paul Pearce-Couch

The 1980s were all about big hair and shoulder-pads and the current tour of the stage adaptation of Flashdance has both in spades.

The original 1983 movie fell foul of the critics of the day, attracting brickbats from virtually all quarters. Compared with its contemporaries, Herbert Ross’ Footloose and Alan Parker’s seminal Fame, Flashdance seemed clumsy and directionless, with poor production values. However, as is often the way, it was a surprising box office hit.

To be honest, plot isn’t the strength of the stage revival either – we’re there for the nostalgia and the result us surprisingly good. Flashdance tells the story of 18-year-old Alex Owens, of Pittsburgh, who is a welder by day and an erotic dancer by night. Well, of course she is. It might surprise readers to hear that this implausible premise really is based on the true story of Toronto woman Maureen Marder, who lived the same dichotomous lifestyle.

While the plot might be microns-thin, Flashdance the Musical isn’t short of high-octane energy, which fairly crackles throughout. Dancer Victoria Hamilton-Barritt is inspired as Alex, bringing a raw gutsiness to the role that sets the tone for the show’s urban backdrop.

Former Hear’say star Noel Sullivan plays Alex’s love interest, Nick Hurley, with an ease that belies his lack of experience – again, something of a revelation both vocally and in his skill as an actor.

Young Bruno Langley brings his trademark angst from the cobbles of Coronation Street to Pittsburgh as Alex’s troubled cousin, Jimmy. It’s not a huge role – with little more than ambling around the stage to get his teeth into - but one that Langley pulls off with aplomb.

These days, musical theatre wouldn’t be complete without a Nolan Sister in the cast and Flashdance doesn’t disappoint with the inclusion of Bernie Nolan, as Alex’s mother. Again, not much more than a large-scale cameo, but one that the actress clearly enjoys.

Of course, Flashdance’s backbone is its music and those with a taste for the charts of the Reagan era are not disappointed with the inclusion of I Love Rock & Roll, Maniac, of course the eponymous Flashdance (What A Feeling), and a particularly striking power-ballad version of the late Laura Branigan’s Gloria.

Arlene Phillips’ choreography is slick and seamless, while Paul Farnsworth’s multi-functional set brings a gritty air of industrial decay to the whole affair.

Flashdance the Musical runs at the Regent Theatre, Ipswich, until Saturday, April 25, and is sure to have audiences dancing in its recently-refurbished aisles. Just don’t expect to get lost in the storyline.

© OneSuffolk, 21/4/09

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