REVIEW: Flashdance The Musical, Mayflower Theatre

SHE'S dancing like she's never danced before.

So goes the Firewind hit Maniac, one of the classics made famous by Flashdance, the movie originally panned by the critics which went on to become one of the highest grossing films of the 80s.

And never was there a more apt lyric for Strictly champion Joanne Clifton who swaps her Latin and ballroom background for a spectacular mix of street dance, hip-hop, commercial and jazz in this brilliantly choreographed production.

We knew she could dance of course, but she struts her stuff like never before as Alex Owens, the welder by day and exotic dancer by night who dreams of winning a place at a prestigious professional dance school despite no formal training.

Joanne is, in fact, a triple threat showing off, as she does, powerhouse vocals and putting in an impressive turn in the lead role.

The chemistry with her love interest is positively sizzling. Former boyband frontman Ben Adams puts in an A1 performance as Nick Hurley, the boss with a conscience.

The musical boasts a host of superb singalongs including What a Feeling, Gloria, Manhunt and even an I Love Rock and Roll finale, as well as a host of new tunes written for the stage adaptation, brilliantly performed by a truly talented cast.

The industrial style set uses steel, steps and digital projections to capture the spirit of the movie.

It's a shame a few sound and technical issues marred the first act of what was otherwise a great night. The music drowned out some of the vocals early on and the water drop which ends the first act didn't quite result in the gallons of water cascading onto stage that it promised.

But the up tempo second act more than made up for any early problems.

The decade that fashion forgot is back in all its neon tinted glory here. Look out your leg warmers for this crowd-pleaser of a show.

LORELEI REDDIN

Flashdance The Musical runs until Saturday.

Tickets: 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk