CityLife

English National Ballet: Strictly Gershwin

 

Palace Theatre, Manchester

October 12, 2011 (untii Saturday)

GLITZ, glamour, show tunes... and ballet?

The English National Ballet’s latest offering uses the timeless music of Gershwin, producing spectacular results.

Set against a backdrop of the screaming 1920s, the audience is taken on a romantic journey, set to George and Ira’s most enduring hits, such as Shall We Dance, Summertime and I Got Rhythm.

With an evident nod to the public’s current passion for Brendan, Flavia et al, the audience is treated to a celebration of the whole art of dance. Tango, salsa, Charleston and ballroom styles are all present and performed with the precision and passion you expect from the ENB.

The show is split into two acts – Gershwin on Broadway, harking back to the classic show days, and Gershwin in Hollywood, which oozes a more sophisticated style.

A real crowd-pleaser is tap-dancing duo, Douglas Mills and Paul Robinson, showing a charming cheekiness in Fascinatin’ Rhythm and Strike Up The Band.

Musical arrangements by lively conductor Gareth Valentine are played with real polish by the accomplished ENB orchestra, with stand-out solos from the brass section and pianist Tom Scott.

The four-piece Maida Vale Singers also deserve a special mention – providing enough entertainment for the audience in their own right.

Extended features of An American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue alternate with shorter pieces. Add stunning costumes and the audience has no opportunity to be bored. This unlikely union proves an enchanting endeavour.

Strictly Gershwin is strictly entertainment.

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