Dance has been growing in popularity in recent years, with lots of competition shows on TV and many musicals focusing on it.  

Strictly Ballroom the Musical follows this trend, and, despite some questionable Australian accents, the dance and colourful costumes were escapism at its finest.  

The cult classic 1992 movie of the same name, directed by Baz Luhrmann, rose to fame as soon as it was released.  

Norwich Evening News: Kevin Clifton and Faye Brooks star in Strictly Ballroom the Musical Kevin Clifton and Faye Brooks star in Strictly Ballroom the Musical (Image: Strictly Ballroom)

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The stage show follows the same story – Scott Hastings (Strictly's Kevin Clifton), set to be a star ballroom dancer, throws away his opportunity for the chance of love with a partner from the beginner's class called Fran (Coronation Street's Faye Brookes).  

Full of physical comedy and larger-than-life characters, Norwich audiences were really behind this production.  

Norwich Evening News: the show features larger than life characters the show features larger than life characters (Image: Ellie Kurttz)

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Where the show lacked slightly in singing and acting, it more than made up for with the dance – the standard is some of the highest you can see on a UK stage right now. 

Norwich Evening News: The musical follows the same story as the filmThe musical follows the same story as the film (Image: Strictly Ballroom)

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It was clear from the get-go that director of this production Craig Revel-Horwood's flair was all over it – and from his voiceover at the start audiences were well and truly behind him.  

Kevin Clifton as Scott was the glue of the show and his talent in this style of dance shined through in what is some truly magical casting.  

Norwich Evening News: Jose Agudo stood out with his performance as Rico Jose Agudo stood out with his performance as Rico (Image: Ellie Kurttz)

But the standout was Jose Agudo as Rico, who had the entire auditorium on the edge of their seats in disbelief at just how quickly this man can move.  

His characterisation was believable among a sea of somewhat cheesy characters and the raucous cheer when he stepped forward to take his bow proved his performance was enjoyed by all.  

Overall, this is a very enjoyable night out that offers something different.  

Strictly Ballroom runs until April 15 with tickets available on the Norwich Theatre website.