Court Theater, Christchurch, New Zealand.
December 12, 2024.
If you are looking for an inspiring evening of love, energetic dance and challenging the status quo, Strictly Banquet Hall Christchurch Palace Theater is your best choice!
On Thursday, December 12, this vibrant, energetic production of Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film – inspired by his upbringing – captivates audiences with its passion, enthusiasm and sheer joy. It was this film that sparked my own journey into the dance and film industries, thanks to Tina Sparkle and those unforgettable costumes – especially the iconic sequined bolero. I could never appreciate Luhrmann’s extreme style and drama.
For those unfamiliar, Strictly Banquet Hall The musical tells the inspiring story of 21-year-old ballroom dancing champion Scott Hastings (played by Rania Potaka-Osborne), adapted for the stage by Terry Johnson. Conflict of rules. His partner Liz (Sophie Harris) leaves him for Ken Rellings (Ben Frith), and conservative dance officials warn him not to break the rules. Scott finds new inspiration in Fran (Lucy Sutcliffe), a shy student who reminds him that “a life lived in fear is half a life,” and together they take aim Pan Pacific Championships. Despite opposition from everyone, including his mother Shirley Hastings (Jesse Lawrence) and the dance world, Scott chooses Fran as his dance partner. When they were disqualified by official Barry Fife (Roy Snow), Scott’s father publicly supported them, leading to their winning performance that captivated the audience.
charm Strictly Banquet Hall lies in its heartwarming story of freedom from tradition, family expectations and dancehall alliances. It’s about finding the courage to dance at your own pace. Having seen this production in larger theaters in Sydney, I particularly enjoyed the Palace Theatre’s version. The smaller space brings the audience closer to the characters and story. With family at the core of the narrative, this intimacy enhances the dynamics between the characters, creating a more personal experience within seamless and ever-changing scenes. The show’s message runs through every song, every dance, and even the exaggerated facial expressions, making every detail shine.
Potaka-Osborne was the perfect choice for the role of Scott Hastings. His movements were graceful, smooth and precise, and his composure commanded the stage effortlessly. Have an impressive resume that includes west side story (Australian Opera House), wedding singer (David Wien Enterprises), Moulin Rouge! musical (Global Bio), and chicago (“Live at the Crossroads”), his career was about to be a huge success.
Lucy Sutcliffe’s portrayal of Fran is the perfect blend of authenticity and skill. She expertly captures the character’s awkwardness, convincingly portraying a dancer with raw potential but a lack of polish. Her strong, steady voice adds depth to the character, and her performance perfectly conveys Fran’s innocent yet determined spirit. Winner of the New Zealand Dance Awards Professional/Amateur Musical Theater Award in 2019 and awarded a prestigious scholarship to train at the Broadway Dance Center in New York, Lucy is certainly another talent to watch.
Jesse Lawrence and Jonathan Martin make a fantastic pairing as Shirley and Doug Hastings. A hidden secret drives their relationship forward, and the shocking truth only excites their son, Scott, even more.
The entire cast is great fun, flitting in and out of beautifully crafted simple sets. The dance cleverly conceals transitions and adds a sustained flair to the piece.
like its core music Strictly Banquet HallThe choreography is meticulously choreographed under the direction of Kira Josephson and renowned ballroom choreographer Jonny Williams. The dance program is exciting, showcasing a variety of ballroom styles from the waltz to the doble. Each sequence blends precise technique with the unique personal style that each character strives to express. The choreography and music flowed effortlessly, and the dancers’ infectious energy elevated the quality of the entire production.
Musically, the show was dazzling. Hits like “Love is in the Air,” “Perhaps, Maybe, Maybe” and “Time After Time” are combined with new material from Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect to create a flawless, captivating sound. Richard Marrett’s musical direction ensured that the orchestra elevated the entire work, while the talented cast brought each piece to life with passion and enthusiasm.
Directed by Benjamin Kilby-Henson, the show perfectly balances legendary ballroom dancing scenes with the quieter, more personal moments between Scott and Fran. Kilby-Hanson keeps the pace brisk and engaging, with each scene offering the perfect blend of emotion, comedy and tension.
The set design and costumes are a visual delight, transporting the viewer into a world where glamor and kitsch collide. A glittering Coca-Cola logo backdrop, vibrant lighting and colorful costumes all enhance the feel of a high-stakes dance competition while also giving it a wonderful theatrical flair.
If you missed this unforgettable show, there are plenty of opportunities to watch it Strictly Banquet Hall at the Palace Theatre. Notably, a backstage tour on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2pm will provide an insider’s look at the production. There will also be a special private event taking place in the Court Theater Foyer on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 7:30 pm – be sure to book early as tickets for this show are limited and certain parts of the foyer will be restricted. The closing night of the show will be Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm, so don’t miss your last chance to experience the magic!
Whether you are a fan of the original work or a newcomer to the story, Strictly Banquet Hall The Court Theater offers an evening of pure joy. It’s a celebration of the passion, personality and transformative power of dance, with a talented cast, stunning choreography and a soundtrack that reminds you “A life lived in fear is a life half lived!”
Author: Renata Ogayal Dance information.
