The main difficulty with stage musicals based on successful films is whether the necessary cuts leave the show believable, also the casting of the main characters. The stars of the film get to do several takes of any particular scene and the best one gets put in to the film. On stage you get only one shot every night and the show runs continuously from start to finish with only one small break in the middle.

I am always delighted by the wealth and quality of talent performing in the British theatre. The new musical “Flashdance” may only have started on the 19^th July 2008, and as the weeks go on they are still developing and settling in to the show. Yet they all seem comfortable in the characters and the overall effect of the show is of one where the ensemble has bonded well.

From start to finish the evening was superb. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as the central character ‘Alex Owens’ studied at the Central School of Ballet, her ability and training certainly shines through during her dance routines. Her physical appearance, her movement, her acting and her singing are all superb. Victoria has an impressive catalogue of past parts and I sincerely look forward to seeing her again.

Bernie Nolan is Alex’s mother Hannah Owens, although Bernie is not on stage much her character is a pivotal character. She takes the whole thing in her stride displaying her vocal and performance talents.

The romantic male lead is Noel Sullivan ex Hear’say member for me has developed superbly as a musical theatre performer. Ok I last saw him in Fame where all the characters are teenagers. In Flashdance he is the young man set to save the steel works where Alex works. 

Noel Sullivan

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt

Ruthie Stephens

Alex’s co-workers both in the works and in Mawby's, the dance hall, play their own characters, street people; dream dancers some even have dual characters. They are a superbly talented ensemble and appear at times to be one entity, the choral work and mass dance routines are so tight and wholly together they are a pleasure to listen to and watch.

Although the entire show is totally amazing with superb performers, an interesting and adaptable set, mood lighting, brilliant costumes, clever directions and Arlene Phillips choreography “What a Feeling” for me has just that little extra which makes it stand out. It is probably the most touching scene and is the culmination of the show. The scene from the film where Alex auditions in front of the judging panel hoping for entry to dance school. This is where Victoria showcases her amazing talent. Originally made famous by being the footage used on the video for the single “What a Feeling”, on stage we get Ruthie Stephens as Gloria, Djalenga Scot as Jasmin and Carryl Thomas as Keisha stand at the back of the stage singing this iconic song allowing Victoria to dance.

I would love to see the show again as there is so much to take in with dates round the UK continuing until February 2009 see the website for further details www.flashdancethemusical.com