Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith lead the cast of Strictly Ballroom The Musical
Full casting has been confirmed for the Craig Revel Horwood-directed 2022/23 UK tour of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical.
As previously announced ex EastEnder, 2020 Strictly Come Dancing finalist and Strictly Come Dancing 2019 Children In Need Special champion Maisie Smith will make her musical theatre debut alongside her 2019 Strictly pro-partner Kevin Clifton in the new production of the hit romantic comedy set within the sequin-drenched world of competitive ballroom dancing.
They will be joined by 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 will feature Liv Alexander, Edwin Ray, Stuart Rouse, Hollie Jane Stephens, Michelle Buckley and Stylianos Thomadakis.
Directed and co-choreographed by the hard-to-please King of the Saturday night put-down, Craig Revel Horwood, and co-choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s creative director Jason Gilkison, the production is due to launch in Portsmouth on 26 September 2022, before dancing into venues across the UK with the tour taking its final bows in Bristol in July 2023.
Commenting on the production, Revel Horwood added: “I’m delighted that the super talented Maisie Smith is joining Kevin Clifton on the Strictly Ballroom UK tour. I can’t wait to see them dance together again. Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening! I know that they’ll both be FAB-U-LOUS!”
Leading man Clifton commented: “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!”
Smith who is due to remain with the production until 25 March 2023 added: “Dancing in Strictly has been a huge part of my life, and been so much fun. I’m absolutely thrilled 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.”
A favourite with fans of the BBC celebrity dance show, international Ballroom and Latin champion, Clifton made his musical theatre debut in Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych in 2010 and returned to play Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer for a limited London season at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
As well as being a popular fixture on Saturday night TV, Revel Horwood’s vast musical theatre credentials include playing Miss Hannigan in multiple productions of Annie and directing and choreographing productions of a range of major shows including Sister Act and Chess.
The feel-good story of the rule-breaking dancer and the shy outsider who transforms into the perfect partner first hit the stage as a student play. The play was then transformed into a film by Luhrmann and designer Catherine Martin before the duo working with Terry Johnson, who joined the team to adapt the original book, to return to the stage in its musical incarnation at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in 2014.
Featuring a book by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce and a mixture of feel-good songs from the film’s original soundtrack along with new songs from current chart stars Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect also played seasons in Melbourne and Brisbane in 2015. The show made its eagerly anticipated UK debut at the West Yorkshire Playhouse late 2016 before playing a West End run in 2018.
Angela Thomas
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