Flashdance opened 27 years ago to poor reviews in US cinemas. This week in Sheffield the touring stage production of the musical proved why it became a worldwide box office success.
Great music and dance kept the two-hour show at a constant buzz. Even in changeovers dancers kept the audience's attention as they leapt across stage in awe-inspiring moves, whilst the set behind turned from a steel mill to a bedsit to a gentlemen's club.
Victoria Hamilton-Barritt thrilled in her performance as 18-year-old Alex who works at a redundancy-haunted Pittsburgh steel mill during the day, and is a 'flashdancer' at night.
Hamilton-Barritt impressed in the way she impersonated the tomboy side of Alex, still holding on to the femininity and insecurity of the character.
The big test was always going to be the famous dance academy audition scene but she passed the test with distinction.
The Flashdance crew of 20 impressed on all levels. Perfectly choreographed routines were performed with ease. The actors showed off their talent in several dance genres including ballet, hip hop and pole dancing.
The musical has kept all the classic features we remember from the film such as the grey sweater half hanging off Alex's shoulders, the dancing on the table in front of the judges and, of course, hits including Gloria, I Love Rock and Roll and What a Feeling.
The ever-so-cheesy ending brought out a few tears and some big smiles among the female-dominated audience.
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