» Review: Diversity
Diversity’s first tour since winning Britains Got Talent in May 2009 was billed as Diversitoys. This was Diversity and friends with a Toy Story theme. Of course, all the set piece dance pieces were there, just as polished, professional and spectacular as expected.
Diversity are not just talented, disciplined and cleverly choreographed, there is an energy and wit which makes them a joy to watch. A Michael Jackson tribute set was a nice touch, and touching too – a reminder of the strength of Jackson’s influence as a dancer as well as a singer.
The Toy Story-inspired narrative neatly brought in the special guests although, to be honest, most of these were surplus to requirements and, at times, slightly distracting – with the huge exception of fellow star Aidan Davis as Bionic Boy (“I’m NOT a toy, I’m a REAL boy, I can DANCE”). Which he proved.
A massive star of the show, however, was the outstanding computer graphics, which were slick, clever, and fully integrated into the action. The sound was also fantastic.
The lighting was the one area which could have been slicker. Lighting for dance troupes in big venues is notoriously difficult, particularly with so much going on all over the stage, and lighting focus can be hard to achieve. Though when strobe and spotlights were used to full effect, it was sensational.
Ashley Banjo deserves full credit for the stunning choreography and the precision timing shows commitment and attention to detail which, matched by exuberance and energy, is a winning formula.
All that is missing is some really confident direction to match the choreography. I would love to see them take inspiration from Stomp, who have proved there is a massive worldwide audience for energetic, spectacular dance, with great production values but without the extra guests and distractions.
Brighton Centre 15 April
4/5
Candy McNamara
