Tuesday, 12 August 2014

Theatre review - Groove On Down The Road, Southbank Centre

FIVE STARS

LAST year a group of youngsters raised the roof at the Southbank Centre with their show Groove On Down The Road.
Now this talented bunch from award-winning choreographer Kate Prince's acclaimed ZooNation Dance Company are back with an updated version of this fabulous production.
It is essentially a re-telling of The Wizard Of Oz and has as its themes, love, friendship and overcoming adversity - a perfect fit for the Southbank Centre's Festival of Love.
Set to a toe-tapping soundtrack that includes Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, José González, Janelle Monáe and Miguel the youngsters, who are all aged between 10 and 19, groove, body pop, hip hop and street dance their way down the yellow brick road towards a better, happier and friendlier life.
It is quite simply the most joyous show, with an unbelievable amount of energy and fabulous characterisation not to mention an infectious enthusiasm from all those on the stage who were clearly having the time of their lives.
The dancers are incredible and some of the tricks are awe-inspiring thanks to the amazing choreography - which allows everyone to have their moment in the spotlight.
The entire cast shines but it is 12-year-old Arizona Snow as Dorothy, 17-year-old Mike McNeish as Toto, 18-year-old Mikey Ureta as Tinman, 16-year-old Jaih Betote Dipito Akwa as Scarecrow and 17-year-old Dylan Mayoral as Lion who deserve special praise.
On their feet and grooving for the entire 80 minutes, their energy, tricks, flips and twists are phenomenal.
Heart warming and utterly uplifting, this is a show that will appeal to all the family and get you on your feet dancing and clapping along. An absolute belter!

Groove On Down The Road is on at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, from now until Tuesday, August 26.

Tickets from £11. Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk or call the box office on 0844 847 9910.

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