PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ | STAGE REVIEW
New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 22 Sept
Pre-theatre, it had already been a long day filled with caffeine, so as the red curtains drew back and the lights went down on the gilt and chandeliers of the New Theatre (powered by espresso number five), I was almost ready to jump from the circle and onto the stage to join the cast. High octane high heels were attached to gyrating hips, smothered in colourful clothing and sequins. The hem lines were high, and the leotards bright, stopping the horror of any stomach peeking out to outshine the calves.
The songs of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin provided a feast of music with a notable, powerful rendition of Summertime, a soulful and moreish Lazy River (Hoagy Carmichael and Sidney Arodin), and various entertaining dance pieces. These included a few from Strictly Come Dancing stars who really did show us how it was done, so much so that most of the post-performance chatter seemed to be centred on this. For a brief moment I seriously considered becoming a professional myself, taking some lessons and then six months down the line having the body of a siren/whippet/sex kitten, who after entering and winning a couple of international tournaments leaves it all to return to the cider swilling, cigarette smoking life I was meant for.
Apart from the obvious Strictly pull, the singers were exceptional and the dance numbers were fun, and as many a reviewer has said about this show, it should probably be seen as a plus that the money is going towards hiring really capable performers, rather than ensuring the costumes fit (don’t worry the Strictly ones are obviously on the money). If you like the music of the 1920s then it is really worth going to see. Think of an energetic yet gentle journey of music, dance and frivolity and you’ll be almost there.
words NIA STRONG