If you still had any energy left over from the Nottingham
run of Strictly earlier in the week, Anton Du Beke's own
stage
show was a must
for the diary.
Probably the nation's favourite ballroom dancer, Anton could
even boast the voice of Strictly, Lance Ellington, among the special guests
making this a stunning afternoon of razamatazz and sparkle to
relish.
From
curtain up we were treated to the sights and sounds from the big names of
musical theatre including Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The London Concert Orchestra, conducted by Richard Balcombe, added some
genuine class to the show – the city's hottest ticket on a wet and blustery
afternoon.
But the weather – and anything else for that matter – was
quickly forgotten as we were transported far away
to a world of
sequins and fancy footwork thanks to the super-smooth steps traced out on stage.
Anton's
ballroom partner Faye Huddleston was accomplished throughout, but there was so
much more than dancing, as he also led a couple of stand-up comedy-style
sections of the show where we learned the secrets of his celebrity Strictly
partners. Then we enjoyed the orchestra take centre-stage and also heard our
host team up with Lance Ellington for some wonderful vocal duets.
West End singing star Summer Strallen,
fresh
from hits such
as Top
Hat,
Love Never
Dies and
The Sound of
Music to her
name, added to the atmosphere.
Costume, choreography and instantly recognisable
tunes played their part for a show which
saw us singing along (quietly!)
with the
stars to the likes
of Anything Goes and Begin the Beguine.
Let's face The Music and Dance, Music of the Night
and The Blue Danube Waltz were all perfectly executed for what was undoubtedly a
mature audience – but the 3pm start was great news everyone
who enjoys Anton Du Beke on TV and wanted to see him in the flesh.
