EntertainmentTheatre

The Last Tango at the New Victoria Theatre Review

TheLastTangoThe Last Tango
New Victoria Theatre, Woking

7-12 March 2016

www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

Reviewed by Keith Mitchell

The New Victoria Theatre in Woking is situated in the centre of the town as part of a shopping complex and massive car park. Easily accessible but be sure to park in the blue section of the car park as that is nearest to the theatre. The cost was very cheap, only £1.30 to park for about 3 hours. There are many pay machines but they do get busy at the end of a show. The theatre is accessed through the main building so there is no need to go outside, which is especially good in inclement weather. It is a modern looking interior with 3 floors of seating. Interesting circular stairs and slopes linking each floor as a central theme to the auditoria. The view of the stage is superb from the stalls where we sat and you get the impression of being close to the action. The seats are comfortable and have ample leg room. The bar areas are clean and bright with plenty of staff and comfortable seating. The middle bar even has a fine pianist performing, a nice touch. The staff are very friendly and helpful. There are also plenty of toilet facilities.

On to the show, starting smack on time, with virtually a full audience. The stage is set with the interior of a house and roof area and starts with an old man sitting sifting through memorabilia and reminiscing. The audience start giggling at the little bits of humour such as a dead key on the piano he tinkers with. Almost immediately the stars of the show, Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone, are on stage. First impressions are these are consummate professionals, experts at their trade. Their fluid movements and beautifully expressive dancing are seriously well received. The show bounces along with 4 couples in the ensemble providing dance to back up the stars, full of enthusiasm, quality and energy. This show is a love story, portraying life in the 30’s through the war years, bringing small children into the world and the main character losing the love of his life at the end of the show. There are plenty of songs such ‘When I Fall in Love’, ‘At Last’. ‘Magic Moments’ to name a few, performed most admirably by two of the cast, with Matthew Gent’s magnificent voice outstanding. The audience raise a chuckle, not for the first time, caught out by the sudden shock of the interval. The second half also flows along in a similar vein. Flavia and Vincent are on stage throughout the majority of the show and as befits a couple who have a huge string of titles to their names, their elegance, exquisite footwork, timing and energy explodes through the dances. The slower sections ooze with sensuality and passion and are really a thing of beauty to behold, carrying the audience along. The way they make complex and fast movements, especially with their legs intertwining, seem so natural and performed with such ease just underlines their real quality and dedication to their art. Never once did their energy levels slip. The show, alas, is over too quickly for the audience, ending as it began with an old man and his memories. The audience gave a standing ovation to the cast for several curtain calls, followed by a final dance from the stars, ending to a roar of approval from the cheering, clapping audience.

Fantastic dancing, great entertainment and I would not hesitate to recommend this show to anyone. Wow! does not begin to describe the experience, for that is truly what it is.

Highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5 thumbs_up

Tickets cost from £23.40 to £63.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

The Last Tango is at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until 12 March 2016. For  more information or to book tickets click here or call  the box office on 0844 871 7645.

New Victoria Theatre, The Ambassadors, Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6GQ

5Star

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