Strictly Come Dancing stars Maisie Smith and Kevin Clifton are coming to Liverpool with a new show later this year.
The popular former EastEnders star is making her musical theatre debut as she co-stars in the 2022/23 UK tour of Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom The Musical in the lead female role of Fran, alongside her former Strictly dance partner, Kevin Clifton, who she waltzed her way to victory with in the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 Children In Need Special.
The musical, based on the award-winning global film phenomenon of the same name, spawned the smash hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing. The new iteration of the touring show is directed and co-choreographed by Strictly's famed judge, Craig Revel Horwood.
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Kicking off in Portsmouth on September 26, the musical will visit numerous theatres around the UK before drawing to a close in July 2023. The hotly anticipated show will be at Liverpool's Empire Theatre from October 17-22.
Strictly alum Maisie first impressed fans with her dancing in 2019 in the Children In Need TV special with professional, Kevin Clifton. After winning the hearts of the public, the following year she danced her way into the BBC One Strictly Come Dancing final.
Earlier this year, Maisie joined the cast of the Strictly Live Arena Tour. Now, the star is venturing into the musical theatre world. Maisie said: "Dancing in Strictly has been a huge part of my life, and been so much fun.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to continue that journey in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Not only do I get to make my musical theatre debut with my former partner in crime, Kevin Clifton, but I get to work with Craig Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison again too - I can't wait."
Kevin Clifton said: "I'm beyond excited to be performing with Maisie again – she's amazing. And I’ll finally be fulfilling my lifelong ambition to play Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom The Musical.
"When I was 10 years old I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time. This is my dream role. I can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK with Maisie in what's set to be an incredible show."
Craig Revel Horwood said: "I'm delighted that the super talented Maisie Smith is joining Kevin Clifton on the Strictly Ballroom UK tour. I can't wait to see them dance together again. Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening. I know that they'll both be fab-u-lous."
Strictly Ballroom The Musical, co-choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing's creative director Jason Gilkison, tells the story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer – played by former Strictly Come Dancing professional and 2018 champion, Kevin Clifton. When Scott's radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, played by Maisie Smith, a beginner with no moves at all.
Inspired by one another, the unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don't need to be strictly ballroom. Featuring a book by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, and bringing together a cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, while this tour will also feature new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.
Tickets are on sale now. You can buy tickets for the Strictly Ballroom the Musical at the Empire Theatre by clicking here.
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