Strictly Ballroom, presented by Beenleigh Theatre Group as their grand finale for 2024, is an absolute whirlwind of colour, heart, and Aussie charm to bring Baz Luhrmann's original film to the stage. Directed by Daniel Dosek, this iconic Australian musical is packed with everything we love: sequins, romance, cheeky humour, and, of course, the power of dancing to express what words can't.
The set, repurposed from previous productions this year, immediately grabs your attention with its dramatic, red-draped design - immersing us in the glitzy world of ballroom dancing - sequins, spray tans, and the stressful quest for that shiny trophy. Set in the early 1980s, the show follows Scott Hastings, a young man from a family involved in the world of competitive ballroom dance who becomes disqualified after doing moves that are not strictly ballroom style. Fran, portrayed by Jade Plaistow, is a young woman from a Spanish migrant family with a passion for dance that comes from the heart, not the rulebook.
James Bird as Scott Hastings is easy on the eyes and ears—he's the perfect embodiment of the cocky but vulnerable young dancer. His solo dance numbers give off serious Footloose vibes (or Troy Bolton in HSM3...), channelling the youthful passion of a character who wants to break free from the norm. On the flip side, Jade Plaistow’s Fran is a cute yet fierce presence, and the chemistry between them is heartwarming and believable. Their electric dynamic stands out in their sultry duet of "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps", perfectly capturing the tension between them.
Their romantic duet, "Time After Time," is a standout moment, beautifully sung and danced amidst the fog under the glow of a Coca-Cola neon billboard and twinkling lights. It’s one of those moments that feels genuinely magical, showcasing both their vocal and physical talents in a beautiful way. Although my personal favourite moment is the enchanting "You Can't Have Everything", where Fran finally asserts herself. Their characters’ journey is genuinely heartwarming, and you can’t help but root for them the whole way through.
Supporting performances round out this production with heart and hilarity. Michael Ware delivers a wonderfully deadpan Doug Hastings, the typical “boring dad,” while Bradley Chapman channels every dance mom cliché with gusto as Shirley Hastings. Ruby Thompson's performance as Tina Sparkle is dazzling – from her glittering pineapple dress to the demanding choreography, Thompson’s commitment to the role of the reigning diva of the ballroom embodies all the drama and sass of the original character. Marina Pennisi’s portrayal of Vanessa is comedy gold, channelling the energy of sidekick Gretchen from Mean Girls. Brent Jeffrey is another gem, bringing laughs as Ken Railings, even though his stage time is brief. Every second he’s on stage is packed with physical comedy, proving that sometimes it’s the small roles that steal the show. Similarly, the kids in the cast, including Beau Bruback as Luke and Amelie Iffland as Kylie, bring adorable sass. Their "Let’s Dance" number is as cute as it gets.
Speaking of stage presence, the ensemble delivers with high energy from start to finish. While the opening numbers, like “Strictly Ballroom” and “All Out War,” had their sound issues due to some troublesome microphones, the ensemble’s commitment to keeping the energy up was admirable. Special mentions go to the standout dancers of the show, Meggie Ryder and Ruby Thompson, who executed the more complex routines with flair and precision.
The choreography by Hayley Iffland and Heather Barraclough is impressive in its ambition and it's quite decent in its execution, especially considering the demands of such an energetic dance-heavy show. The "Magnifico" number, where the Spanish characters teach Scott the true meaning of rhythm in dance, is a vibrant celebration of passion and culture. Samantha O'Hare, who plays Fran’s abuela, has a voice that truly soars here, and her vocal power is a joy to hear in the stunning duet "Life is a Leap of Faith."
The staging is eye-catching, thanks to the lighting design that bathes the set in shades of red, purple, and blue, capturing the heat on that dance floor. Costumes reflect the glamorous world of ballroom dancing while adding that signature Strictly Ballroom flair, like the feathered costumes in the Act 2 opener, “Beautiful When You Dance." The 7-piece band – led by musical director Peter Laverncic – maintains a lively upbeat atmosphere, and vocal director Nicholas Hargreaves deserves a special mention for guiding the cast to sing with the Australian accent and maintain strong vocal performances while executing intense dance routines. It's no easy task.
From the exaggerated Australian accents to the flamboyant wigs to the over-the-top personalities of its characters, Strictly Ballroom doesn’t take itself too seriously. Whether it’s the dramatic character of Barry Fife, brought to life by Adam Iffland, or the scene-stealing Liz Holt (played by Brooke Edwards), the comedic moments are plentiful and laugh-out-loud funny.
For fans of Dirty Dancing, Footloose, Grease, or even Priscilla Queen of the Desert... Strictly Ballroom at Beenleigh Theatre Group is a feel-good, witty, and visually beautiful performance that celebrates individuality, passion, and the freedom to live life on your own terms. If you’re in the mood for a night of humour, heart, and some epic dance moves, make sure you don’t miss this energetic finale to Beenleigh Theatre Group’s 2024 season.
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