Stories: The Tap Dance Sensation at Peacock Theatre

Tap-tappity tap tap tap! The RB Dance Company is here in London, and as the first scene opens with a dynamic and thrilling “get the job done” number – a sentiment that stays with the performance throughout – the audience is delighted by an intense and punchy display of dance and music from the get-go. Starting with our protagonist, Icarus, we follow the story of a young man navigating the glitz and glamour of Hollywood filmmaking, contrasted with the intense disillusionment he and the crew face behind the scenes, resulting in some major visual showdowns between the director and our main lead. 

Following the rhythmic and melodic blend of percussion, urban hip hop and smooth jazzy numbers that accompany each scene, the dancers truly shine, dominating the stage without missing a single beat and treating audiences to a most entertaining experience of loud and fierce tapping. Coming in at just over an hour, the pacing of the performance is perfect, with no interval needed, sustaining momentum throughout the entire show. 

The RB Dance Company makes phenomenal use of stagecraft, with lighting weaponised to maximum effect, producing soft, glowing elements. This gentle backdrop, in comparison with the harsh and stark reality shown by the cool-toned spotlights, creates some very clever scenes between the dancers and the set. The striking use of shadows cast by the staging was particularly well done.

The transitions between scenes are so smooth that the dancers seamlessly blend the pieces of the story together, although, at times, a more intentional break might help clarify the plot. Occasionally, the ryhthmic thudding of the dancers became somewhat hard to follow, as it was not always clear when the performers were in the realm of “reality” or the Hollywood starlet production. Nevertheless, once caught up with the pace, the story proves enticing and well-thought-out.

Ultimately, the performers utlilise their incredible talent and hard work to create a show that is enjoyable, fun and full of pizazz. Through costumes, staging, genre twists, music, and most importantly, tap, the overall production is one to watch – after all, as art imitates life, so does tap imitate art imitating life.

Scarlett Bruin
Image: Aline Gérard

Stories: The Tap Dance Sensation is at Peacock Theatre from 30^th October until 2^nd November 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Stories: The Tap Dance Sensation at Peacock Theatre here: