Review: Last Tango Is A Glorious, Uplifting Treat

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Vincent and Flavia say farewell in this exciting flurry of song and dance

This is a glorious mix of song and dance with lots of fabulous swirly costumes and glitter and fun. Of course the stars are Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace of Strictly Come Dancing fame but it's not all about them, they're supported by a brilliant team of dancers, singers and live musicians working together under the slick direction and choreography of Karen Bruce.

I loved it.

There is a story. It's about George who, while clearing his attic, discovers things that remind of the past and the love of his life. Enter Vincent as the young George as the past comes to life right before his and our eyes.

There's hardly any dialogue, what there is is mostly old George talking to himself as the memories come flooding back, the story's told through song, music and dance. There are 30 musical numbers in all which include A Bushel & a Peck, Blue Skies, Beyond the Sea, Save the Last Dance for Me, Jump, Jive & Wail and Magic Moments - great uplifting stuff.

George meets his wife to be (Flavia) at a beach party and so he woos her, taking her to the fair and winning a teddy bear on the coconut shy. They fall in love and marry and everything looks rosy until reality breaks into their bliss, war is declared and George gets his call up papers. Here Flavia dances a heart rending solo of grief, she is a really talented lady.

Of course George survives the war, and the second act opens with smashing rendition of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy as the whole ensemble get stuck in. It's so good they reprise it at the end.

And so they dance and sing through the rest of their lives. It's clever, witty, funny and sad;  beautiful to listen to and to watch. Right at the end the two stars treat the audience to one of their famous tangos and it's worth waiting for.

Sadly this really is the Last Tango for Vincent and Flavia, they're hanging up their dancing shoes and moving on, Flavia's already launched her own brand of cosmetics. But if they ever decide to give it one more go, I'll be first on line for a ticket.

• The Last Tango runs at New Wimbledon Theatre until Saturday (February 20)

By Penny Flood

February 17, 2016