BWW Reviews: HOT SHOE SHUFFLE

Hot Shoe Shuffle is a fascinating show. Its part story, part revue, part tap through line give it somewhat of an incomplete, dysfunctional feel. However, the part tap is enough to lead this show to one conclusion...all entertainment.

Having seen the show 21 years ago as a young boy I have the clearest memories of being inspired by the dancing and tapping of the original cast. It was slick, charismatic and choreographically beyond comprehension. Tonight's show ticked one of those boxes. What the seven tap brothers bring to the show choreographically is still beyond comprehension. David Atkins and Dein Perry's chorography ensures that they produce rhythms and style throughout the show that leave the audience in awe of their individual and collective abilities. Where the show waivers is in its story. The script, though having a contemporary overhaul is littered with bawdy jokes that set themselves up to be funny but consistently fall flat. The length of the show is also an issue, with large chunks of script unnecessary and irrelevant. Hot Shoe Shuffle mark two has missed an opportunity to be the tighter, snappier version of its original.

The cast is littered talent, each member has an opportunity to shine. Max Patterson as Tap is a standout amongst the seven brothers, with his remarkable solo in act 2 bringing the house down. Mitchell Hicks effortlessly portrays the character of wing and Bobby Fox effuses charisma and charm in his performance of Spring. Fox sings and taps his way around they stage with ease and precision and throws in some of his Irish flair for good measure.

David Atkins returns to the stage in Hot Shoe Shuffle having originated the role of Spring. This time he takes on the role of Dexter Tap, the boys long lost father. Akins continues to make the show his own over two decades bringing all the flair and nuance required for the role. Jaz flowers as April, doesn't convincingly deliver the sex and sass levels required to illicit the response from the brothers towards her. It seems scripted rather than in any way believable. Flowers shines in her genuine moments. The opening of Act 2 when singing Hoagy Carmichael's "I Get Along Without You Very Well" and in her rendition of the Gershwin's "How Long Has This Been Going On" is where Flowers really wins us over.

Sound did not help the cast on opening night with levels seeming oddly quiet and muffled. This did evolve throughout the evening but was initially distracting. Contrasting this, Eamon D'arcy's set design and Janet E Hine's costume design immediately enhance the show. The vibrancy of the design and its comic book aesthetic brings a distinct contemporary edge to the show.

The Hot Show Shuffle Big Band under the direction of David Stratton is quite simply spectacular. Their suave sound and precise rhythm lends itself to the cool masculinity tapping onstage.

Though this show has some minor flaws that could be ironed out it has proven over the course of time to be a popular hit around the world. Its entertainment value for the cost of a ticket is second to none and its show within a show concept gives you a taste of both storyline and all out performance. Its cast are this shows best asset and if its some exquisite tapping and some classic show tunes your after then this is the ticket you're after.

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