Review: Flashdance - Threshold Theatre

Review by Hannah Smith

Flashdance: The Musical, the latest offering from Threshold Theatre Company, bursts onto the stage with the same vigour that made the classic 1983 film such a pop culture landmark.

From the very first bars, the creative team wastes no time setting the stage, with a gritty cocktail of slick choreography and power ballads with an unapologetically 80s flavour.

We follow our lead, Alex Owens (charmingly played by Sophie Chapman), a steelworker by day and club dancer by night, as she sets her sights on the prestigious Shipley Academy and tries to turn her dream of becoming a trained dancer into a reality.

The show focuses heavily on choreography, with an excellent ensemble cast adding extra pizazz to the big numbers, showing the varied skills of the company, from ballet to jazz, and adding greatly to the narrative. A shout out must go to Georgia Finch for a great rendition of I Love Rock and Roll, providing one of the higher energy moments of the night.

An excellent performance also from Leanna Lucas as Alex’s friend Gloria showcased her vocal ability as well as her stage presence, with a particularly poignant rendition of Gloria, showing her slide from sassy charisma into the bleak haze of addiction.

The company of Flashdance - photo credit: Richard Jarmy

Proving that even the smallest roles can have the biggest impact, Rachael Broxton-Osborn stole every scene she was in as nursemaid Louise, delivering every line with impeccable wit and warmth, turning even throwaway moments into miniature highlights.

The audience were, unsurprisingly, waiting for the film’s most iconic moments, especially the water sequence in Maniac and the show-stopping finale, What a Feeling.

While the newer songs didn’t quite have the same impact and at times felt a bit functional, the cast’s commitment kept things moving. The larger ensemble numbers, in particular, brought a welcome surge of energy whenever the pacing started to dip.

By the time the finale comes around, it really feels like the show has earned its big, feel-good payoff. The famous audition scene hits just right with Sophie Chapman leading the moment brilliantly.

Flashdance: The Musical might not break new ground, but it knows its vibe and fully leans into it and swaggers in, legwarmers first.

This production, which continues until 7 June, is a sell-out, but if you've been impressed by the company, why not keep an eye on their website thresholdtheatrecompany.co.uk for details of what's next for them.