Strictly Come Dancing has become something of an institution
in this country, but it’s only fair that “the professionals” get a chance to
shine in their own separate realm of dance.
And so it is that Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have created Midnight Tango, a production that sees
the championship winning pair performing together on the West End stage. Even for someone whose only knowledge of
Argentine tango comes from the BBC programme, this is a spectacular show.
Essentially a ballet in tango, the show takes place inside
an Argentinian bar, wonderfully designed by Morgan Large. The shabby interior is littered with detail
(the set is even used as percussion at one point) and includes space for the excellent
on-stage band (Tango Siempre) and singer Miguel Angel.
The bar is owned by an older couple, whose humorously bickering
relationship plays out like a slapstick silent movie, providing a suitable
counterpoint to the intense love affair of the principal dancers. Although Russell Grant sadly was unable to
perform as the bar owner through injury, his inclusion may have spoilt the
illusion of Latin authenticity the production as a whole strives to achieve.
As is typical of the genre, Midnight Tango oozes sweat, passion and sensuality. Argentine tango is the principal style of
dance throughout, characterised by sharp intertwining leg movements, impressive
lifts and lashings of Latino fire, accompanied by music from the likes of Astor Piazolla. With
such a busy stage it’s easy to get distracted, but our attention is always
guided by the lighting. The ensemble are
immensely talented, gliding effortlessly across the floor, but even they pale
in comparison to the obvious stars – Vincent and Flavia. Regularly pulling focus, their dancing is
tighter, sharper and faster than the others – a partnership that is truly a
sight to behold.
Whilst the first half lacks a little variety, the second
half offers more distinct and dramatic dances.
In particular, the climax of the production sees Vincent and Flavia
perform a virtuosic rumba-esque romantic duet, their bodies intertwining in
harmonious union – a simply stunning routine.
Beforehand an all-male dance cleverly subverts the typical couple as the
men fight to outperform one another in peacockish bravura. The finale, meanwhile, is a long sequence of
routines that feature a magnificent display of skilful technique, strength and
passion for dance. The production may be
on the short-side, but the stamina and, moreover, trust in one another that the
dancers exhibit is astonishing.
As Midnight Tango replicates,
the best place to see tango performed would be a small bar in a backstreet of
Buenos Aires under a heady, starlit sky.
But for most of us, this is the closest we’ll ever get.
4/5
Watch: Midnight Tango returns to the West End at the Phoenix Theatre London until 2nd March, before touring the UK throughout the summer.
