Thursday evening Pippa and I went to a theatre production at the Norwich Theatre Royal of I Got Rhythm, a dance show by the Northern Ballet celebrating blues, jazz and all the music of Gershwin during the nineteen-twenties.

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The Roaring Twenties. Jazz, blues, movies, musicals and irresistible glamour. Chic, sassy women, romanced by smooth, sophisticated guys. A heady whirl of parties, champagne and dancing. Ballet meets jazz in Northern Ballet’s sizzling I Got Rhythm. A perfect fusion of skilful and exuberant dance, live music and vocal performances, I Got Rhythm celebrates Gershwin’s America through his sensational music. Rhapsody in Blue and Summertime capture the romantic, soulful mood of a bygone era, whilst the joyful energy of Girl Crazy and I Got Rhythm create the excitement of the big Broadway musical. Northern Ballet Sinfonia performs ‘big band’ style on stage, creating a backdrop to glittering dancers and special guest singers in this jubilant celebration of George and Ira Gershwin’s fabulous music.

It was a very entertaining performance with some brilliant music and spectacular dancers. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it was a quirky twist on the traditional ballet. The costumes were vibrant and colourful and complemented the musical style. Some individual pieces had storylines within them that were amusing and provoked laughs from the audience, particularly the title song I Got Rhythm accompanied by two men dancing in Scottish garb! There was a good contrast of slow lyrical numbers and fast paced high-kicking routines, and with the orchestra on stage and atmospheric lighting it created a great showbiz atmosphere to the show.

My only minor complaint was that it was really cold in the theatre! They obviously had the air-con on for the performers- understandably as they were clearly working hard on stage, whilst still managing to make it look flowing and effortless.

We had a great evening and I’m keeping my eye out for more interesting nights out at the theatre in the near future. There’s something completely captivating about watching a live performance.

Beki x