Review: Strictly Come Dancing Tour 2025 at Utilita Arena Newcastle

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For weeks we sat watching in anticipation week by week to the end, whether we were able to see our favourite dancers make to the final or not where comedian Chris McCausland deservedly won the much coveted Glitter-ball. (sadly absent from this tour due to his own comedy tour that coincidentally comes to the Tyne Theatre at the end of the month)

This was the second time I’ve been to a Strictly Come Dancing Arena Tour show. The last being when hometown woman Sara Davies, who tonight was sat in the row in front of me, partook and won in Newcastle three years ago (although without taking anything away from her, I think us Geordies may obviously have been a little bias – ensuring the win!)

It’s great to see Sara continue to support the friendships she made through this show (as I’ve also seen her at Theatre Royal supporting Oti Mabuse, and no doubt assume she will be back there for Johannes Radebe in Kinky Boots – this being the reason also Johannes did not come on tour.)

30 sparkle-filled shows in total on the tour. Arriving here in Newcastle for a double header of nights, featuring seven of our favourite couples that partook: Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas; Montell Douglas and Kai Widdrington; Wynne Evans and Katya Jones; Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec; JB Gill, Amy Dowden and Lauren Oakley; Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola; Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu. Audience members came in excitement in their glitter tops and jackets and there 10 Score padels ready for judging. 

Of course we had our judges, minus one. Sadly Shirley Ballas was unavailable to judge tonight. However we had more than enough personality in Craig Revel-Harwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. Hosted by ex strictly dancer herself  and presenter of It Takes Two, Janette Manrara. They don’t take themselves too seriously, Craig had to be the party pooper and while giving out a few tens kept to his usual harsher critique and scoring even on tour. Anton Du Beke was just happy to be there it felt and was loving every moment! This was reflected in giving every dance a ten throughout the night! Motsi was peacekeeper between the two and brought her bubbly persona. 

Jokes were had throughout the night, and I’d hate to guess how many times they will use them throughout the tour. Slightly pre rehearsed I felt, but they did bring the audience to laughs. Manrara presented and hosted this night well and kept the flow going throughout.

However we were here for the dancing, to be sat live in front of these would be, now proven dancers. We all have our favourites but every single celebrity that stepped up deserves every round of applause they got. To see them all confidently glide around the stage, be twisted, turned or lifted. As an audience member is was a joy and just mesmerising. Everyone was able to have another opportunity to showcase their ability for a last time in each city this tour visits and to compete for victory for the nightly tour glitter-ball on offer. 

Some amazing dances graced us tonight across every couple. Sarah and Vito shone and were voted our winners for the night with some exquisite performances including a musical wicked themed dance with Tasha and returning dancer Aljaź runners up (my personal winners!) Tasha Gouri was just a joy to watch and on her last dance of the night with Aljaź was just beau-ti l-full. Wynne Evans also gave us a flash of Mrs Doubtfire also. 

The live band and singers weee just amazing. Having them here live enhanced the production so much. Credit also goes to the sound techs at the arena, as it never sounded too loud or overbearing. 

Strictly is now celebrating 20 years and wow it still gets top marks from me! So it’s a TEN from me! If you’re catching this while on tour you are guaranteed to have a fab-u-lous night filled with dance, glitter, laughs and joy!