REVIEW: The Last Tango, Sunderland Empire, Until February 13

Strictly's Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace let their bodies do the talking in this seductive dance show.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Feb 2016, 09:18 BST
Updated 10th Feb 2016, 12:33 BST

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The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire. Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone.The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire. Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone.
The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire. Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone.

The Last Tango is the third and final theatre show from the Strictly Come Dancing professionals and it’s absolutely sensational.

It begins with George (Teddy Kempner), an older man, looking through the attic of his home, opening boxes and rediscovering lost treasures.

The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire.The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire.
The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire.
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The audience then sees his memories come to life as we watch his younger self, portrayed by Simone, meet and fall in love with Cacace’s character.

Their love affair has an infectious happiness that you can’t help but be swept up in.

The pair never speak throughout the show and their story is told entirely through dance, from their first meeting, dates at the fair, getting married, him being sent off to fight in the Second World War, their reunion, and the beginning of their family life.

They say dance is a universal language, and it’s amazing how well the pair convey their passion, romance, and heartache without ever uttering a word.

The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire. Flavia Cacace.The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire. Flavia Cacace.
The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire. Flavia Cacace.
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The choreography is unbelievably intricate and simply stunning. There must be thousands of steps for the dancers to remember and their performances are flawless.

The ensemble really brings the show up to another level, making for big performances and gorgeous routines.

Accompanied by a live band, singer Matthew Gent made a big impression with his renditions of songs like At Last, Moondance, and Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.

The girls gave a fantastic performance of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy during a scene that welcomed the troops home from war and other songs like Magic Moments, When I Fall In Love and Save The Last Dance For Me captured the emotion of the story perfectly.

The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire. Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone.The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire. Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone.
The Last Tango is at the Sunderland Empire. Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone.
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A heartrending dance scene, where Simone received a letter calling him up for service, was accompanied by the Theme From Schindler’s List, and really packed an emotional punch.

The show was really moving. It brought a smile to my face and warmth to my heart, and during the more tender moments, a tear to my eye.

This show is a must for dance and theatre fans alike – you’ll be blown away by its beauty.

The Last Tango runs until Saturday, February 13. Click here to book tickets.

Twitter: @vickinewmanjp

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