Review: Flashdance at The Palace Theatre, Manchester

Based on the famous and fabulous film by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, Flashdance tells the story of 18 year old wanna be dancer Alex Owens, welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night. A classic romance storyline as she falls in the love with the boss and tries to live her dreams and get into the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy.

The award winning company Selladoor don’t disappoint with the production, as the set transfers the audience from mechanic shop to the clubs quickly. With impressive and colour costumes, the audience are brought back to the 80s with double denim and leg warmers.

Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton takes on the iconic role of Alex, and wow did she pleasantly surprise the audience. Her tremendous dancing ability shows that Alex is the perfect role for her, and her vocal ability is powerful and expressive.

Boy band heartthrob Ben Adams takes on the challenge of the boss Nick Hurley with full power. A strong singing voice and acting that made the ladies of the audience swoon.

Alex might be the maniac on the floor, but the show steeler was Demmileigh Foster. I Love Rock and Roll was a crowd pleaser, and Foster knew how to command the stage. An incredible dancer who dominated the stage and held her own in the ensemble as well as in her solos.

There’s no surprise that the musical is called Flashdance, as the choreography by Matt Cole is simply stunning. The dance incorporates a mixture of jazz, hip hop and ballet. The dancers excel in the routines, and get the audience up off their feet and dancing along at the end.

A production full of colour, sass and neon. A great night out with the girls and it will get you dancing on your feet by the end of the show.

★★★★

Flashdance the Musical is playing at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until 17th February 2018. Book here.