Upon walking into the petite, converted church close to the docks in Ipswich, it was difficult to imagine just how the Red Rose Chain production ofÌý Strictly Body and Soul, a play centring on the lives of two aspiring, young dancers, would fit the location.Ìý However, the wooden floor, purple lighting and twinkling glitterball transported the audience to the dance studio where much of the story unfolds.
 | | The dancers in rehearsal |
It’s difficult to imagine just how three actors would be able to deliver a captivating performance on such an open stage, but writer, director and actor Joanna Carrick proves that her versatility extends to her acting by managing to play the four supporting roles with such conviction that each was unique and believable, though I’m still unsure whether the compère hailed from South America or Transylvania.Ìý The leads, Jimmy Grimes and Kirsty Thorpe, deserved their roles entirely.Ìý Their presence on stage was powerful and they could dance extremely well.Ìý Both had poise and rhythm which engrossed the audience who awarded applause and cheers after all of the dance scenes.Ìý I had taken some friends, semi-professional dancers themselves, along to the performance, and wondered how they would view any actual dancing that took place during the performance, but I was pleased that they were clearly impressed with the pair’s dance skills.Ìý I later discovered that the actors had attended dance classes for the production for authenticity.
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The story tells the lives of ‘Tom’ and ‘Lottie’ and their lead up to a dance competition that they're adamant to win.Ìý I was impressed by how the interjections of the real life dramas of teenage pregnancy, sexual identity, paedophilia, safe sex and rape darkened the tone of the play only to allow the dance scenes to gently soften the mood once more.Ìý Ultimately, the pair confront their own demons and emerge as stronger people who go on to win the competition.Ìý It is a play about dedication and identity and highlights that however close friends can be, there is a reality that lies beneath whose discovery can bring people closer. The dance theme of the evening was extended to the two intervals, where the audience was invited onto the floor for a quick dance lesson with the cast.Ìý I wasn't surprised to see that most people were more than happy to partake in this novelty, and at the end of the performance, the audience was again invited to the floor to practice their new skills to music.Ìý It made for a really great and somewhat different experience. This is the third Red Rose Chain production I have attended and I can honestly say that I am impressed more and more by the talent of the group.Ìý I would urge everyone to look out for the next production ‘UFO’ later this year.Ìý It’s sure to be fantastic. | 
