LAST year local dance fans were heartbroken when the sudden arrival of the infamous Beast from the East caused Strictly favourites Anton du Beke and Erin Boag’s show at The Alhambra to be cancelled. It may have taken a whole year for them to return but the entire audience agreed it was definitely well worth the wait to see “Dance Those Magical Musicals: West End Live On The Dancefloor”, writes Times theatre critic Kerry Black.

The curtain opened on Saturday to reveal the incredible Scottish Concert Orchestra. So many shows nowadays tour with just a small band or taped music, it was brilliant to see a full orchestra in action, under the expert baton of Richard Balcombe.

A lone figure then danced across the stage in top hat and tails, not Anton, but Lance Ellington who is well known to Strictly fans for his wonderful singing. Lance was later joined by West End leading lady Laura Emmitt to ensure the singing was a top notch as the dancing. Anton, who recently released his own album, also sang some numbers with them.

I have seen various Strictly inspired shows over the years, but I can honestly say that this was the best ever, from the superlative sequined splendour of the costumes, to the six supporting dancers, it is easy to see why Anton and Erin are the King and Queen of the ballroom having danced together for almost 22 years!

With “House Full” signs at the door there was a real air of excitement in the Alhambra as the dancers took to the floor, taking us on a whirlwind musical journey from the white top hat and tails of 42nd Street, through to the dazzling Hairspray finale with stops en route for Phantom, Jersey Boys and even Mary Poppins. I lost count of the number of fabulous dresses Erin wore, all provide by DSI London, who supply all the costumes to Strictly here and overseas! Although the entire night was spectacular, my particular favourite had to be when Anton and Erin danced to Edelweiss!

In the second half there was a hilarious Q&A section with lots of banter with the audience, especially with Anton’s favourite dance partner Judy Murray being in the theatre. Although she was quick to assure us that his tennis skills were “Awful!”

Anton and Erin truly provided the entire audience with a memorable, magical evening of music and dance, on the wonderful stage of the Alhambra. Fab-u-lous darlings!