New musical Strictly Ballroom announced for Sunderland Empire run

Baz Luhrmann’s smash hit Strictly Ballroom the Musical is set to sweep audiences off their feet with the announcement of a 2020/2021 tour, which will see it play Sunderland Empire for the first time from October 26-31.

Directed by dancer, choreographer and TV judge Craig Revel Horwood, the show is based on the award-winning film Strictly Ballroom.

Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, and with a cast of more than 20 performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time.

This tour will also feature some new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.

Craig Revel Horwood said: “I am absolutely delighted to be directing the 2020/21 UK tour of Strictly Ballroom the Musical - it’s going to be fab-u-lous.

“The theatre is where I come alive and it is there that I feel in my most creative element. Having directed the UK Arena Tour of Strictly Come Dancing for the past few years, I simply cannot wait to put my stamp on this iconic and much-loved musical. Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening.”

Strictly Ballroom the Musical tells the story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair defy both convention and their families and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom.

The musical originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of classmates at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1984. Eight years later he made his screen directorial debut with Strictly Ballroom.

In April 2014 Strictly Ballroom The Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

*Tickets available in person at the Box Office on High Street West, also from the Ticket Centre on 0844 871 3022 or online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland