Strictly on stage f, like me, you’re suffering serious Our Strictly Come Dancing Strictly Come Dancing withdrawal blogger Marianka Swain I symptoms while we’re deprived goes in search of her of that weekly hit of sequins, fear not sequin fix this spring – there are plenty of fantastic touring stage shows that can fill the void. Here are some of the best Strictly spin-offs… Anton and Erin: Dance Those Magical Movies For those who like their ballroom traditional and their music soaring and who have a soft spot for Hollywood too, this is the ideal outing. Veteran Strictly pro Anton du Beke, who recently made the final, and Erin Boag, his professional partner of many years – AKA former Strictly favourite Strictly “Miss Whiplash” – bring old-school Hollywood glamour to the dance floor. This new touring show draws inspiration from such silver screen favourites as Singin’ in the Rain, Casablanca and The Wizard of Oz, plus on stage slightly more recent fare like The Greatest Showman and Moulin Rouge, and their well-honed production also has a dance ensemble, 23-piece orchestra, and vocals from Strictly’s Lance Ellington. Above all, this is a love letter to classic ballroom. Until March 22; antonanderinlive.co.uk Firedance This red-hot new offering pairs two charismatic Strictly pros: Gorka Marquez, who reached the final in Bruno Tonioli and the Strictly professionals during the Strictly Come Dancing live arena tour. 2017 with Alexandra Burke, and Karen Hauer, who had a crowd-pleasing 2019 run with Chris Ramsey. The sizzling show imagery (flames galore, and alas, Marquez’s shirts have gone missing) emphasises the sensual; there’s also a Spanish theme, since Marquez is Manrara teaming up to celebrate and contemporary numbers, and pros from the 2019 series once again was unlucky not to progress further February 27 to June 30; originally from Bilbao, Hauer from Academy Award-worthy films and the production also features live competing on the dance floor. This in the most recent series with Michelle giovannipernice.com Venezuela. Expect passionate tango, songs – including the Golden Age of music and backing dancers. year’s line-up includes Saffron Barker Visage. His is a more personal take flamenco, paso doble, samba and Hollywood, contemporary winners, March 22 to May 3; and AJ Pritchard, Emma Barton and on the stage spin-off, featuring music Burn the Floor salsa, with backing from live Latin Disney and even Bollywood. rememberingtheoscars.com Graziano Di Prima, Mike Bushell and dances that have inspired his Many of Strictly’s newer pros have musicians and a dance ensemble. Both are reliably strong entertainers and Katya Jones, Kelvin Fletcher career – from his earlier competition come to us via Burn the Floor – the It’ll be interesting to watch Hauer on Strictly, and this is a canny Strictly Come Dancing and Janette Manrara, Alex Scott and days through to becoming a BBC star. stage show that aims to rebrand continue to carve out her own identity theme, as it gives them plenty of – The Live Tour Neil Jones, Catherine Tyldesley and Accompanied by a cast of ballroom as young, cool and sexy. For following her separation from Kevin range – making it a good one to This is the closest experience you’ll Johannes Radebe, and Karim Zeroual professional dancers (previous the 2020 tour, Kevin Clifton returns Clifton, and those who missed Marquez visit with a mixed group or family get to watching the actual show: and Amy Dowden. If you’ve ever shows have featured familiar names to headline – alongside sister and in the latest series will be eager to see members of different generations. previous winner Stacey Dooley held up a homemade “7” paddle at such as Luba Mushtuk and Trent former Strictly pro Joanne. Both, him back in action. Shirt or no shirt… The show promises everything from hosts; Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel home, this tour is the one for you. Whiddon), Pernice promises a mix of of course, are Strictly champions: March 6 to April 5; firedancelive.co.uk Lady Gaga and Adele to Prince, Horwood and Bruno Tonioli are on Until February 9; ballroom and Latin numbers. His past Kevin with Stacey Dooley in 2018, Queen, Rodgers and Hammerstein, judging duty; the Strictly singers strictlycomedancinglive.com shows have also had great audience Joanne with Ore Oduba in 2016. Remembering The Oscars Irving Berlin, Eminem and Barbra and live band provide the music; interaction – and, with plenty of ups The siblings will tease their Another movie theme here, with Streisand. The accompanying dances and you get to vote for whichever Giovanni Pernice: This Is Me and downs in his Strictly “J word”, rivalry as they lead Burn the Floor’s Strictly pros, dance partners and real- will vary too, from traditional couple you want to see triumph. Plus, The well-liked, successful Italian pro he’s not short of material to share signature mix of fast and furious life couple Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette ballroom through to more theatrical of course, there are celebrities and has reached three Strictly finals, and should he wish to get confessional… routines, thrilling tricks and ➣ 70 • DANCING TIMES Photograph: DAVE J HOGAN. WWW.DANCING-TIMES.CO.UK • FEBRUARY 2020 • 71 Strictly on stage Left: Tour poster for Neil Jones’ Gingerland. Above: Promotional material for The Ballroom Boys Act Two. glamour – plus some jaw-dropping Argentine tango from specialist Vincent. The pair are joined by two female professional dancers and a live vocalist, and, as well as songs and dances, we’re offered lots of laughs and banter. Their previous offering almost had a variety show feel to it, with plenty of entertainment beyond the core of great ballroom dancing. March 19 to June 21; theballroomboys.com Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals For the chance to see a whole group of amazing Strictly pros performing together, this annual tour is a must. The passionate numbers. You’ll get all also ginger – like Nell de Jaunse, his 2020 line-up features: Dianne Buswell, the standard ballroom and Latin memorable alter ego from It Takes Two. Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, dances from a talented company, Jones’ big personality should make Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, but with a slick, modern twist – this an entertaining night out – and Oti Mabuse, Gorka Marquez, Luba plus eclectic live music, and – one those who enjoy following Strictly Mushtuk, and Johannes Radebe. imagines – some good Strictly chat. “curse” drama will also be intrigued It’s quite a revelation seeing these March 26 to May 24; burnthefloor.com to see how he fares post-split with dancers live – their power, skill and wife and fellow pro Katya… technique much more apparent than Neil Jones: Gingerland June 25 to July 26; neiljonestour.com on a TV screen – as well as unshackled Top marks to Strictly’s popular new pro from clodhopping novice celebrities. on the title of his tour – yes, “ginger” The Ballroom Boys: Act Two Mushtuk certainly deserves better is very much his brand, but Neil Jones Vincent Simone and Ian Waite prove than James Cracknell next series, as is also known for his mix of ballroom Strictly has a long life; both were she’ll ably demonstrate here, and it’ll fundamentals (he is a three-time World favourites in the early series, and be a particular treat to see breakout Champion) and creative choreography. Waite of course is now a fixture on star Radebe (whom we praised in Jones promises comedy and special It Takes Two. They’re back together our December issue) soaking up the effects, too, as he shows us what makes for a second year, following the limelight. Plus, of course, our newly him unique within the dance world success of their 2019 tour team-up. crowned champion Oti Mabuse! and introduces some of his major Expect plenty of classic ballroom May 7 to June 4; influences. Funnily enough, they’re dances, along with the usual glitz and strictlytheprofessionals.com WWW.DANCING-TIMES.CO.UK • FEBRUARY 2020 • 73.