10 – 15 July

Baz Luhrmann’s smash hit musical Strictly Ballroom is set to sweep audiences off their feet once more when the new 2022/2023 tour, directed by the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood, begins in Portsmouth on 26th September 2022. Former Strictly Come Dancing champion, Kevin Clifton stars as Scott Hastings and EastEnders star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Maisie Smith makes her musical theatre debut in the lead female role of Fran. Kevin and Maisie were previous champions of the Strictly Come Dancing Children in Need Special 2019.

Featuring smash-hit songs Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time, and all new music written by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. This feel-good ballroom sensation is sure to make for an unforgettable evening under the glitter ball that will send your heart soaring and toes tapping! 

Directed by Britain’s best loved TV Judge, Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical follows arrogant, rebellious young ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings (Kevin Clifton). When his radical and daring dance style sees him fall out of favour with Australian Federation, he must dance with beginner, Fran (Faye Brookes). Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom! 

The 10 month tour – choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and Strictly Come Dancing’s Creative Director, Jason Gilkison – visits almost 40 venues before culminating in Bristol in July 2023. Foxtrotting around the UK and Ireland, the show is based on the award-winning, global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that inspired the world to dance and spawned the smash hit TV series ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

Craig Revel Horwood said: “I am absolutely delighted to be directing the amazing Kevin Clifton and the sensational Maisie Smith, together with our super talented cast in Strictly Ballroom The Musical – I know that they’ll all be FAB-U-LOUS!  Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening!”

Kevin Clifton said: “I’m thrilled to finally be fulfilling my lifelong ambition to play Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. When I was 10 years old I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time. This is my dream role. I’m beyond excited to be performing with Maisie again – she’s amazing – and can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK with her in this incredible show!”

Maisie Smith said: “Dancing in Strictly has been a huge part of my life, and been so much fun. I’m absolutely delighted to be able to continue that journey in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Not only do I get to make my musical theatre debut with my former partner in crime, Kevin Clifton, but I get to work with Craig Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison again too – I can’t wait!”

The cast of Strictly Ballroom The Musical includes: Nikki Belsher (Shirley Hastings); Mark Sangster (Doug Hastings); Gary Davis (Barry Fife); Quinn Patrick (Les Kendall); Oliver Brooks (JJ Silvers); Jose Agudo (Rico); Karen Mann (Abuela); Agnes Pure (Liz); Benjamin Harrold (Ken); Jessica Vaux (Charm); Danielle Cato (Tina Sparkle); Kieran Cooper (Wayne); Maddy Ambus (Vanessa); Adam Davidson (Nathan) and Poppy Blackledge (Pam). The ensemble features Liv Alexander, Edwin Ray, Stuart Rouse, Hollie Jane Stephens, Michelle Buckley and Stylianos Thomadakis.

Bristol Hippodrome

St Augustine’s Parade Bristol BS1 4UZ
 
Photo credit:  Danny Kaan