Brendan Cole knows what works and it’s a relatively simple equation – classic dancing set to modern hits played in a big band style – it’s the fact he does it so well that really makes his shows stand out.
‘A Night To Remember’ is the second time I’ve been to see Mr. Cole and little has changed, because little has to. The Waterfront Hall stage is packed with a big band, 2 singers, steps, pyrotechnics, oh and a bit of space for the dancing of course. The crowd is packed, the estrogen thick in the air (there’s a bit of testosterone too but us men are definitely in the minority) and as Brendan comes out to no less than ‘Also sprach Zarsthustra’ the crowd hoop and whistle like builders near an open air strip club.
Over the next 2 hours Brendan peppers the show with tidbits of Strictly info, ribs Anton Du Beke, tangos, waltzes and American Smoooooothes his way along with his seven other dancers as the band plays and the singers sing. He emphasises that NI boy Ryan McShane is dancing tonight, introduces us to his mummy (who is in the audience all the way from New Zealand) and gives the crowd exactly what they want. A Q&A session sees him dance with various members of the audience and answer questions on his love life. A big band version of ‘Uptown Funk’ has people dancing in the isles; this truly is Saturday night entertainment!
The dancing is on point, the music is bombastic and the showmanship is second to none, a great show all round and one that will see Brendan Cole return time and time again to sell out to delighted NI crowds, especially those that the official ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ tour still chooses to ignore.
