Stories - The Tap Dance Sensation at Peacock Theatre.There exists a profoundly strong dynamic between the members of the 10-strong dance company, which is based in a deep appreciation for strength and style, underpinned by considerable technique and familiarity with the material. We first arrive at a newspaper office where a succession of journalists enter, all frantically trying to finish work in readiness to impress the tyrannical editor-in-chief. As the dancers deliver their articles and seek their overlord’s approval a junior reporter bursts in late and is treated disdainfully. Then we break and realise that we are in fact on the set of a busy film studio where cast and crew are filming wildly intricate routines on a sound stage. The actor who was treated badly for his late arrival is in fact, Icarus a young and already famous movie star being groomed and manipulated by the controlling film director.
As scenes progress, we find ourselves in casinos, bars and dark alleys where Icarus comes into contact with various unsavoury characters and a femme fatale who comes to a sticky end when she entertains notions of leaving her underworld king-pin and running away with Icarus. Following an argument between director and star, this element takes on real significance when Icarus is framed for the king-pin’s stabbing, thereby blurring the edges between reality and the film.
Billed as a tap dance sensation, the production will thrill anyone who appreciates punchy, modern, slick choreography. There’s not a weak link in the company, the members of which deliver the sharp moves, characterisations and costume changes whilst traversing the four large pieces of set, their stairs, railings and moving parts, without the slightest hint of trepidation. The piece is riddled with dangers for such an explosive style of delivery, not least the prop-heavy nature of the presentation with its cigarettes, canes, stacks of newspapers, suitcases, cards and cash flung wildly in the casino sequence. One dropped suitcase was retrieved surreptitiously from the wings by a stage hand with a long reach and four dancers manipulated another with their feet as they positioned themselves for a high catch. All in all, this tiny number of noticeable instances was an extraordinary achievement in a show which chases danger and is thrillingly exciting, sexy and powerful as a result.
The dancers who perform on a set by Frederica Mugnai with lighting by Alex Hardellet and costumes by Margaux Ponsard and Janie Loriault, are: Aaron Colston Avella Hiles, Angel Cubero, Lisa Delolme, Geoffrey Goutorbe, Camille Lambese, Deborah Lotti, Antoine Nya, Sandra Pericou, Paul Redier and Malory Hyvelin.
Runs at the Peacock Theatre until 2nd November.
