We may have given the impression, so far, that we aren't really very kind and don't like our theatre. Wrong. Wrong, on so many levels we can not begin to tell you! The theatre fairies will happily attend the opening of any theatrical envelope and are guaranteed a splendid time on every single occasion. It's just that some occasions are more enjoyable than others and we fairies are always truthful and just tell you as we see it.
On this premise we are now able to give you our account of 'Flashdance - The Musical' aka shag the bosses nephew and become a ballerina. We had the good fortune of attending not only the opening night, but also hobnobbing with the stars at the aftershow party; an occasion which required a posh frock and new shoes, which made us very happy indeed. The red carpet was an event in itself; Tamsin sadly missed this due to an unfortunate blip with her homing beacon, but Karina kept her up to date by text as the great and the good arrived to pose for the paparazzi. Karina tried to pose but to little camera interest. Maybe next time. Spotted; ALW, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Gabby Roslin, Arlene Phillips, a very handsome Craig Revel Horwood, Duncan James from Blue, a flurry of Hollyoaks pretty people and Strictly Come Dancing alumni and Kelly Brook who was late, loud and didn't mind who knew it.
Onto the show. We've seen the film and wished we were Alex. Hasn't everyone? Even though her bottom belonged to a bloke you still believed she was the best dancer in the town - nay, the world - just undiscovered. You felt her pain when faced with the ballet snobs and just knew she was wiling to pay with sweat , just like in Fame. Oh you just knew. But did this Alex want to do the same? We're not sure. On the stage were other dancers who were better, stronger and sometimes even seemed more motivated to succeed than Alex who loved her welding ad smart one liners a bit too much. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt is pretty, a fair dancer and a great singer with a belting voice. Maybe this didn't help, as due to the musicals requirement for Alex to be an all rounder, her dancing doesn't take centre stage. She is likable though, and makes the best of what she is given.
The supporting cast are numerous and strong - especially Alex's lap dancing friends and there were moments of choreographic joy which made us gasp, but were over far too soon. The mix of styles was a little distracting, the street dance was impressive but out of place - as was ballroom during 'Manhunt' . Odd.
Love interest Matt Willis is an interesting choice, and tried hard. He is very likable as the bossman with a conscience, but his solo about the working mans plight was truly awful. Not really him, the song. But his voice does need work to hold up against classically trained performers, and no amount of likability disguises this. But he does know how to show a girl a good time on a first date - we'll give him that.
The two most iconic scenes (Onstage shower & audition) are sadly disappointing in their impact or lack of. The shower is a sprinkle and over in ten seconds flat, and the audition gets hijacked by aforesaid street dancers. The judges made us laugh, but not in a good way.....
Oh dear. A negative tone has crept in... Flashdance isn't bad, but it isn't great - and definitely isn't our cuppa. A 2 hour long Bon Jovi video is kind of what it felt like, with a bit of death, social issues and ballet thrown in to give it some heart.
Eventually of course, love conquers all. Alex clomps her way into a prestigious ballet school by playing her own records and throwing some shapes never before witnessed in such a place. Good for her. She saves her friend from a nasty pimp, and punches his lights out as well. Good on her. But you kind of knew she was capable of all that anyway, as she is played with such confidence, sassiness and a lack of vulnerability. So where is the surprise? The emotional journey? This Alex can do anything she wants, clearly - she rules the welding firm and manages her friends lives. Although she loves Mum, she is already fiercely independent - and so it's hard to believe that she lacks the balls to just march into the ballet school as if she owned the place and start teaching classes. In pole dancing.
The after show party was a thoroughly enjoyable and celebtastic experience, although sadly we left early to avoid life as a pumpkin - and we like to think this added to our sense of mystery. The biggest eye opener was the sad side of celebrity culture where being seen is more important than who you are. We won't mention names to protect the OK magazine deals, but it was a moment of clarity for us and led us to appreciate our own mundane normality just that little bit more. Saying that, the ice sculpture was magnificent in it's tackiness, and the champagne was yum.
Although we have linked this review to Halloween, it was not the stuff of nightmares, just disappointing in it's lack of impact & better as a movie than a musical.
After the movie, you want to be Alex.
After the musical you want to just go home.
Such is life.
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