Review for Strictly Dandia courtesy of Natascha Nanji :: 6 Feb 2004



Imagine Strictly Ballroom meets Grease set in Wembley with the generic smattering of ridiculously dressed rude boys, racist jokes and raucous dancing and you get an image of Strictly Dandia.

The play tackled serious issues with somewhat slapstick execution - some might see it as flippant but it had the audience howling nevertheless. The camp choreographer was the only real star of the show, his charisma holding many of the weaker scenes and plotlines together and his superb solo dance pieces successfully incorporated a fusion of classical Indian styles with modern movements which flowed seamlessly to a decent soundtrack.

Compared to Tamasha's previous offerings it didn’t cut it and I wouldn’t call it theatre - more Indian pantomime (hence the fairytale ending). So take your Nanima - she will definitely be laughing out loud.

STRICTLY DANDIA by Sudha Bhuchar and Kristine Landon-Smith
15 January - 14 February 2004
Lyric Theatre, King Street,
Hammersmith, London W6 6QL
Tickets: £24, £20, £16, £12, £9
Concessions: £9, 12 and under: £5, Schools: £7.50
Tel: 08700 500 511