Strictly star's Flashdance hits Rhyl Pavilion

Feb 18 2009 by Dan Owen, Denbigh Visitor

Strictly Come Dancing’s Arlene Phillips brings Flashdance: The Musical to the Rhyl Pavilion this Easter.

While not filming for the BBC ratings hit, Phillips is keeping herself busy with the demanding show.

“In Flashdance there's a lot of choreography,” she says. “There are all the songs we know and love – What a Feeling, I Love Rock and Roll and Maniac – but in fact we've had a lot of new music written, and there's one in the dance school called High Art which is one of my favourite moments in the show.

“Of course, What a Feeling is very touching and moving in the lead character's final audition. Flashdance is a musical that should be seen by everybody. It's so full of hope, that's what everybody wants right now.”

The musical explodes onto the stage starring Bruno Langley (former Coronation Street star), Bernie Nolan (of The Bill and Brookside), Noel Sullivan (former member of Hear’Say) and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Alex.

Set in Pittsburgh, USA, Flashdance tells the story of 18-year-old Alex, a welder by day and “flashdancer” by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy.

Based on the 1983 Paramount Pictures film starring Jennifer Beals,, it’s an unmistakably unique musical about holding onto your dreams and love against all the odds.

Arlene is also looking forward to another series of Strictly, which has also been a touring stage show.

“It has completely changed my life,” she laughs. “It’s funny, I've worked with Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, but when people come up to me in the street, it’s always Strictly they want to talk about.

“It was the same when we started the dance troupe Hot Gossip in the 1970s. But I can’t complain. If people stop coming over to say hello, that’s when I’ll start to worry!”

Arlene and her fellow judges seemed slightly less impressed by this year’s surprise dance star, former BBC reporter John Sergeant. Despite a series of scathing comments and low scores from the panel, he captured the public’s imagination and stayed in week after week – until he quit, scared that he might actually win the competition!

Far from celebrating the news, Arlene was sorry to see him go: “I’m always sad if a contestant leaves out of choice because you are always expecting to let the public vote them in or out – but John is his own person and had his own reasons.”

Flashdance: The Musical can be seen at the Rhyl Pavilion between April 13-18; call 01745 330000 or log on to www.rhylpavilion.co.uk

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to see the show answer the following question:

Which chart topping hit features in Flashdance?

a) What a Feeling

b) Gold

c) Stand and Deliver

Send your answer, name and address to: Flashdance Competition, Denbighshire Visitor, Vale Road, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9SL.