Strictly Ballroom Coming to New Wimbledon Theatre


Craig Revel Horwood directing the Baz Luhrmann musical

Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith
Kevin Clifton and Maisie Smith

October 10, 2022

The national tour of Strictly Ballroom is set to visit Wimbledon soon with the smash hit Baz Luhrmann musical being directed by Craig Revel Horward

Former Strictly Come Dancing champion, Kevin Clifton stars as Scott Hastings and EastEnders star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Maisie Smith makes her musical theatre debut in the lead female role of Fran.

Kevin and Maisie were previous champions of the Strictly Come Dancing Children in Need Special 2019.

The 10 month tour - choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and Strictly Come Dancing's Creative Director, Jason Gilkison - visits almost 40 venues before culminating in Bristol in July 2023. It is at the New Wimbledon Theatre from 7 November – 12 November.

The show is based on the award-winning, global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that inspired the world to dance and spawned the smash hit TV series 'Strictly Come Dancing'. 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 gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom…

The musical includes songs such as Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time.. The show will also feature some new songs by artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.

Craig Revel Horwood said: "I am absolutely delighted to be directing the amazing Kevin Clifton and the sensational Maisie Smith, together with our super talented cast in Strictly Ballroom The Musical - I know that they’ll all be FAB-U-LOUS! Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening!"

Craig Revel Horwood directing the production
Craig Revel Horwood directing the production. Picture: Ellie Kurttz

Kevin Clifton said: “I'm thrilled to finally be fulfilling my lifelong ambition to play Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. When I was 10 years old I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time. This is my dream role. I’m beyond excited to be performing with Maisie again – she’s amazing - and can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK with her in this incredible show!"

Rehearsing for Strictly Ballroom
Rehearsing for Strictly Ballroom. Picture: Ellie Kurttz

Maisie Smith said: “Dancing in Strictly has been a huge part of my life, and been so much fun. I’m absolutely delighted to be able to continue that journey in Strictly Ballroom The Musical. Not only do I get to make my musical theatre debut with my former partner in crime, Kevin Clifton, but I get to work with Craig Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison again too - I can't wait!"

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’, the first instalment in Luhrmann’s acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy. The film enjoyed Much success, winning three awards at the 1993 BAFTA awards and a 1994 Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture, going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning more than $80 million at the box office. In April 2014 Strictly Ballroom The Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

You can book your tickets here.


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