Review by Daz Gale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Since joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2021, Nikita Kuzmin has emerged as one of the more exciting stars from the series, becoming a household name over the years, resulting in his appearance in Celebrity Big Brother last year. Musical theatre lovers were particularly endeared to him when he partnered with West End star Layton Williams on the 2023 series in a historic partnership. It is fitting that the theatre element has stayed with Nikita, as he now embarks on his first headline tour Midnight Dancer. Would this new venture give him 10’s across the board or would he find himself in the dreaded dance off?
A modern-day Cinderella story, Midnight Dancer is kept together by a loose narrative following the highs and lows of a classic romance, leading up to a fairytale masked ball. Attempting to tell a story limits the impact of the show slightly with a chaotic first act that feels a bit all over the place, struggling to maintain momentum, with a seemingly shoehorned bit recreating iconic movies in a series of sketches never quite reaching the heights of the dance numbers. This is rectified in a much stronger act two, tying it all together and featuring the most impressive sequences pf the evening.
Let's be honest – is anyone coming to Midnight Dancer for the story? I think not. You are coming for the dancing hoping for a spectacle. In that respect, it doesn’t disappoint. Created and choreographed by Nikita along with Tom Jackson Greaves, the sequences are every bit as riveting as you would expect with routines to classic songs such as ‘Proud Mary’ and more than a smattering of Moulin Rouge in an extended sequence in the second act. That’s not the only musical theatre offering for any fellow fans out there, with Burlesque and, perhaps surprisingly, Hadestown getting moments in the show too.
Though his name is in the title, this show isn’t solely about Nikita, with cast of talented dancers performing alongside him and without him in some sequences to showcase some truly awe-inspiring moments. Notable among these standouts is Andreea Toma who takes on the leading lady role, forming a beautiful partnership with Nikita. Midnight Dancer also features live music throughout with the wildly talented Rebecca Lisewski showcasing some outstanding vocals as she takes on numbers from Christina Aguilera, Gloria Gaynor and RAYE to name but a few.
Design wise, Midnight Dancer is gorgeous with Andrew Exeter’s set and lighting design providing a beautiful aesthetic for the talented cast to shine, and Rachel Ryan’s fabulous costume designs always a joy to witness. You never quite knew what Nikita was going to come out wearing next with so many sequins adorned, it may well lead to a national shortage of them.
The highlight for me came early in act two in a slower and more downbeat sequence that did away all of the glitz and glamour to focus on the intensity of Nikita’s solo performance, showcasing what a remarkable talent he is. His ability to own and manipulate the stage shows why he has become such a standout performer on Strictly and getting to witness his talents on stage was a testament to this.
As irresistible as Nikita’s personality, a scripted attempt at comedy in the first act was a rare misfire in the show, though he was much better responding to a smattering of overzealous fans in the audience through their heckles. A sequence with audience participation in the second act usually sees Nikita pick someone at random, but on this gala night, he was spoiled for choice with his Strictly and Celebrity Big Brother co-stars, and so it fell to fellow professional dancer Vito in a memorable sequence featuring Nikita wearing heels so high, his former dance partner Layton would approve.
Fans of Strictly are in for a treat with Midnight Dancer in a show that will also appeal to fans of theatre and anyone that’s ever smiled at anything Nikita has done on TV (his viral Shakira moment from last year gets an early mention in the show). Though it can be chaotic at times, it feels like a perfect representation for someone who has always brought a sense of cheeky fun to the screen. One thing that can’t be doubted is the sheer talent on offer – not just from Nikita himself, but from the entire cast. A fantastic mover and an overall exciting show, Midnight Dancer is a great first solo step on to the stage for Nikita, but certainly won’t be his last dance.
Nikita Kuzmin – Midnight Dancer tours the UK and Ireland until 21st May. Dates and tickets at www.nikitalive.co.uk
Photos by Danny Kaan