THEATRE REVIEW: Strictly stars wow in The Last Tango

Always leave them wanting more is a showbiz truism and the last theatre show from Strictly Come Dancing stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace fits the adage to perfection.

The Last Tango (Concert Hall, Nottingham) goes beyond style, content, thrilling dance routines and Flavia’s colourful dresses.

Its theme finds George (Teddy Kempner), a widower in his twilight years, clearing out his attic prior to a move and finding bittersweet items which remind him of how he met his wife and the special times they shared.

Vincent, playing the younger George, and Flavia, his wife, meet at the seaside in the 1930s and their story is followed through anniversaries, the birth of their children, Christmases and wartime separation. Kempner has barely a single speaking role but each item he rediscovers – a Christmas tree, a rocking horse, photographs – evoke nostalgic memories both happy and tragic.

Add the vocal talents of Matthew Gent, with a wide range of standards from Irving Berlin to Burt Bacharach and Hal David and you have a stunner of a show.

This, of course, brings us to Vincent and Flavia. As ever, perfectly in sinc, with dazzling, precise dance moves, chemistry and Flavia’s costumes, they flicker across the stage with excellent support a talented ensemble of dancers.

Gent’s beautiful version of Autumn Leaves as the show heads to its close and Kempner bids a tearful farewell brings out the tissues but a dazzling finale from the stars ensures it all ends on a high.

See the show on Tuesday May 24 and Wednesday May 25. Click here or visit www.trch.co.uk for tickets and more info.

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