Midnight Tango, The Mayflower (From Daily Echo)

Midnight Tango, The Mayflower

10:54am Wednesday 13th June 2012 in Stage Reviews By Melanie Adams, Health Reporter

WITHIN a kick, a flick and a gancho we were instantly transported to the steamy and sultry world of the Tango.

Strictly Come Dancing stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace are back at Southampton’s Mayflower theatre by popular demand with their sizzling Midnight Tango and last night it was easy to see why.

Being a self-confessed Strictly obsessive for eight years I have witnessed the pint-sized pair dazzle on the ballroom floor but nothing could compare to their fiery chemistry on stage.

The speed and precision with which they moved their feet was mesmerising and their gravitydefying moves left the audience open-mouthed with admiration for what this cast could do.

Midnight Tango is set in a latenight bar in downtown Buenos Aires and the show brings to life all the drama, sensuality and elegance of the tango.

The fluidity of the dancing was at times unbelievable as the women were tossed in the air with ease and the men commanded the stage in their Latin attire.

Former tango world champions Vincent and Flavia are joined on stage by some of the finest tango dancers in the world, the Strictly pair stole the show with their breathtaking and sexy routines.

From moving love scenes to stormy romances and passionate embraces, there was no need for words to tell the story.

Although the set remained the same, the music, lighting and choreography reflected the change in atmosphere beautifully as Vincent was forced to fight for his girl.

But it was not just dancing, the subtle comedy moments from the married bar owners added that extra charmthat had the audience rooting for their happy ending.

And the live band on stage added to the authenticity of the whole production.

I fear I will only be left disappointed now when I next walk into a bar and I am not met by the sultry scenes of the Midnight Tango.