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07:00 - 18-July-2008
All the hits from the movie are there – Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock and Roll and the Academy Award winning Flashdance – What a Feeling – alongside new numbers.
The story of 18-year-old Alex, a welder by day and “flashdancer” by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at a prestigious ballet academy, was a surprise 1983 feelgood hit and still has a cult following today.
The energetic choreography was an integral part of the film's success and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, who takes on the role of Alex, says Arlene Phillips' work on the new show won't disappoint die-hard Flashdance fans.
“In the film Jennifer Beals isn't actually doing all the dancing,” says Victoria. “They had a French girl and they also had a guy who did all the breakdancing and diving, which was all edited together.
“There's only so much we can do on the stage, especially when we have to do eight shows a week. And diving in the air is not one of those things you can do unless you've got body doubles. But we do get to dance in all the water.”
Victoria graduated in 2001 and has steadily built up her career, appearing in Mamma Mia!, Fame and Desperately Seeking Susan in the West End as well as the UK tour of Saturday Night Fever where she played the lead role of Stephanie.
But there is no doubt playing Alex in Flashdance – The Musical is her biggest career break to date.
“I'm so excited,” she gushes. “It's a brand new show and a world premiere. For me, it's a big deal. There are all these great creative people involved.
“The show's never been done before and we get to create the roles. I feel so privileged.”
The musical is produced by David Ian (Grease, The King and I, Guys and Dolls and BBC1's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?) and Christopher Malcolm (The Rocky Horror Show). Choreography is by Arlene Phillips (Grease, We Will Rock You, Starlight Express and The Sound of Music on stage and Strictly Come Dancing on TV).
“The audition process was incredibly intense,” says Victoria. “We had to learn five songs, three bits of script and two dances. The second audition took seven-and- a-quarter hours and the final audition four hours.
“There were so many girls who really wanted this job. It would be anyone's dream job and I was totally blown away to get it. It was all a bit emotional.
“I remember seeing the film when I was a kid and I thought 'I want to be her'. I share a little bit of resemblance to her and I have olive skin.
“I've been going to ballet classes since I was four years old and this really is a dream come true.
“People are really hoping and expecting it to come to the West End, but we're still waiting to hear.
“It's really lovely. I get to sing all the brand new songs and there are 10 in the show.
“The dancing is amazing ... and I just can't wait to see the audience's reaction.”
Flashdance – The Musical opens at the Theatre Royal Plymouth tomorrow and runs until Saturday, August 2. Box Office: 01752 267222 or online at www.theatreroyal.com
Email your Flashdance reviews and comments to info@whatsonsouthwest.co.uk. We'll post them all on www.whatsonsouthwest.co.uk next week.
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