Dancing in the Streets, Liverpool Empire Theatre Review

by Lucy Moore | 14 November 2014

I was not entirely sure what to expect from Dancing in the Streets last night at Liverpool Empire, but it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had in the theatre.

Dancing in the Streets

If you have ever spent a night in a disco bar, with bright multi-coloured lights, addictive tunes and retro costumes- you can expect all the same experience- except it's brought to you in the comfort of the theatre.

In a celebration of Motown's greatest hits, you can look forward to all the best known songs by The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Ritchie, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas and many more.

Singer and songwriter Leo Ihenacho, famous for being a member of The Streets and Kylie Minogue's pick in The Voice is the lead singer in this west end smash hit. Minogue called him 'one of her favourite singers' and Will I Am said he was a "freakin' incredible singer" so with his talent and passion for the songs from music's most celebrated decades, he was more than qualified for the task.

He said: "I grew up loving the sound of Motown. So many famous artists forged their career at the label and the hits that came from that tiny recording studio in Detroit have stood the test of time and remain classics to this day. I feel honored to be singing some of the greatest songs ever written by a group of truly legendary artists"

Although I may not have recognised some of the artists listed in the show, given that I missed them when they were first around- I certainly sang along and tapped my foot to all of the songs. Many of them have been used in films such as Sister Act and My Girl, so they will appeal to you no matter what the age because the lyrics and sentiment are timeless.

The crowd was so taken by the performance of those on stage; they were up, dancing in the aisles, and singing along to all of their favourite songs. Never before have I seen so much excitement in a crowd at the theatre.

The performers not only sang, but connected with the audience, inviting one lady up to dance during a romantic number and asking us to separate and in two parts to join in with War by Edwin Starr.

The glitzy costumes, the boundless choreography and the audience interaction, made this show a joy to watch and I took a great deal of pleasure in smiling along with people in their seats as they came alive each time a new song kicked in.

The show finished with the title track 'Dancing in the Street', making a perfect end to a very energetic evening. If you feel the need to bust a move then this is the performance for you!

"You are never more than a couple of minutes away from a chart-topping pop classic"

The Stage

"The high points though are glorious, from the Temps' I Can't Get Next to You - one of the funkiest numbers in the entire Hitsville catalogue - to the Four Tops' anthemic Reach Out (I'll Be There). Stevie Wonder, reincarnated as a teen prodigy, adds a scorching Uptight, while the onstage and does a fine impersonation of the legendary, multiracial house-band, the Funk Brothers. Any devotees of R&B who don't enjoy the show should check their pulse immediately"