Review

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

Brought from Buenos Aires to Paris in 1912 by rich young Argentinians and immortalised by the seductive charm of Valentino in the 20s, the fire of the tango has been re-kindled by Strictly Come Dancing’s Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace in Midnight Tango.

The show cannot be described as a musical but more a self-indulgent showcase for Simone and Cacace, who make their entrance through double doors and pose in the spotlight to capture their “strictly” fans applause. These championship dancers have crafted some amazing choreography that at times borders on sheer brilliance, but while their own performances are technically outstanding they somehow lack that certain stage persona to make their roles totally believable.

Set in a late-night bar in Buenos Aires where customers come to drink, dance, socialise, fight and fall in love, we experience the comings and goings of five different couples. The opening is cleverly silent and simple as we meet the old couple, who have seen it all before, and who become the links in the story.

Although there is little dialogue and the plot is flimsy and predictable it’s the speed and energy of the production that grip the audience. Midnight Tango is blessed with a beautifully designed set that is so realistic, I particularly loved the bar with its floor-to-ceiling bottles and a counter that was made for dancing plus the creative lighting that adds even more passion and excitement to the plot.

A touch of realism and nostalgia that takes us back in time to the bar in Buenos Aires is created with an onstage Tango Band of talented musicians and charismatic singer Muguel Angel who make this the ultimate musical experience.

But the jewel in the crown of Midnight Tango are the eight tango dancers. While Cacace and Simone sensually smoulder these dancers ignite with passion. Their looks, their eyes, their moves, the acrobatic lifts and that male footwork in the opening number drive this show and make it an exciting night of theatre.

As Rosa and Carlos, Tricia Deighton and Anthony Renshaw give two wonderful characterisations of an old couple who nothing phases having seen it all before countless times in the bar. There are some particularly touching moments amid the humour and fallouts of their highly predictable storyline all of which are played to absolute perfection.

As the baddie or rogue of the piece, El Gato, Diomar Girdaldo, is a rogue you love to hate. He has passion, sex appeal and a touch of evil that makes him even more appealing.

Midnight Tango is a great evening’s entertainment even if you have two left feet and never watch ‘Strictly...’. Midnight Tango can ignite a flame of passion in you to learn this wonderful iconic dance. I’m off to find my nearest dance class to brush up on my Argentinean tango that I learned a long time ago!

Liz Coggins