Midnight Dancer at The Sadler’s Wells Peacock theatre - Review

By Samuel

Midnight Dancer at The Sadler’s Wells Peacock theatre is an exploration of the power of dance, rhythm, and storytelling, blending technique with contemporary flair culminating in one big party. Choreographed by and staring the visionary talent of Nikita Kuzmin, this production transcends the traditional bounds of dance, offering a sensory experience that lingers long after the curtain falls.Nikita Kuzim best known for his residency as a dancer on BBC smash hit show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has an incredible talent and the stamina to go on dancing all night. The cast are nothing short of remarkable in this show as they work through the pieces swapping partners as they go. Each movement they execute is not just a physical act, but a story in itself. The fluidity, precision, and connection to the music create a sense of unity between the body, the space, and the audience. The music, a fusion of big band and pop with some modern influences thrown in to the mix and some big iconic disco numbers, ensures there is something for everyone in this production. From popular melodies to rhythmic beats that echo the pulse of the dancers' bodies, the soundtrack is as much a character as the performers themselves, keeping the vibes high. You can expect everything from Shakira and Justin Timberlake to Gloria Gaynor and The Moulin Rouge. A special shout out to Rebecca Lisewski who wows the audience with her power house vocals and keeps the action moving along.The lighting and design, is perfect, often changing colours with the action which really helps create the party atmosphere. The costumes are as theatrical as you’d expect knowing Nikita’s strictly background. The glitz, the glamour and the sparkles did noon their toes. There are moments when the piece risks losing some of its precision and punch. At times Nikita would grab a mic and chat to the crowd, although it was nice to see his personality it threw the piece off track several times and feels disjointed from the rest of the production. That being said the big dance numbers did make up for it, with some movie references, classic cinema, comedy and contemporary making for a good feel good night out.Overall, Midnight Dancer is a striking achievement a masterful blend of talent, storytelling, and technique. It’s a piece that invites the audience to lose themselves in the rhythms of movement and sound, reminding us of the power of dance to express what words cannot. A night at Midnight Dancer is an experience not to be missed by lovers of dance and who want a good feel good night out!4 Stars