AS A massive Strictly Come Dancing fan, this was a show I had been looking forward to ever since it was first announced that it would be coming to the Grand Theatre in Leeds.

Vincent and Flavia have become one of the country's most successful Argentine tango acts, having competed successfully together for many years, and gaining a strong following more recently after joining BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. In 2008, Vincent was the runner up of Strictly Come Dancing performing with Rachel Stevens, whilst Flavia and Louis Smith won the series in 2012 and took home the much-prized glitter ball.

This particular show tells the story of George, an old man looking through the memorabilia in his attic which brings back memories for him of his early life and meeting the girl who becomes his wife. This part was excellently portrayed by Teddy Kempner who has an excellent theatre background including many Shakespearian roles over the years.

The story of their life together is superbly played out by Vincent and Flavia and the other ten dancers. The other member of the cast was Matthew Gent, who is the singer of the various songs used in the show. There are a total of 21of these, many of which are very well known numbers, including A Bushel and a Peck, Beyond The Sea, Blue Skies, Boogie Woogle Bugle Boy, Magic Moments, Moondance, Save The Last Dance For Me, When I Fall In Love and When You’re Smiling. Matthew has a tremendous voice which never faltered throughout all of these numbers.

In addition, there are also nine instrumental pieces played by Steve Geere and his orchestra who did a tremendous job throughout the evening as the music is non-stop for nearly two hours. But it is the dancing that obviously takes centre stage and one can only describe this as totally breathtaking. There are waltzes, salsas but mainly tangos and in particular the Argentinian Tango. The final dance of the show by Vincent & Flavia was mesmerising – an Argentinian Tango performed at such speed that their arms and legs were a blur and how their limbs avoided each other I will never know. It must have taken hours upon hours of practice to perfect such a routine.

The show is directed and choreographed by Karen Bruce, who has worked on many theatrical productions over the last decade as well as being the major choreographer for Strictly Come Dancing for the last five series. She has done a magnificent job here and the capacity audience at The Grand were all thrilled by this production. A great evening’s entertainment for anyone who loves dance.

by John Burland