Strictly Come Dancing professional Nikita Kuzmin is headlining his first show, taking it on tour to venues across the UK, and dance, theatre and Strictly fans alike will not be disappointed. If I were asked to sum up Midnight Dancer in just three words, ‘a visual spectacle’ would come to mind. 

Midnight Dancer has been meticulously crafted over the last four years into the captivating, dramatic piece it is today with the help of creative director and choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves. More theatrical than a straightforward dance show, it combines storytelling, a string of popular, well-known songs, and a melting pot of different dance styles to create a sparkling show full of passion, energy and character. Nikita himself is a charismatic powerhouse of a performer, a true and natural showman who is at ease on stage and when addressing the audience. 

Surrounding Kuzmin are a troupe of young, talented dancers, each giving their all to the routines without missing a beat. Their talent and commitment are undeniably impressive, with every dancer deserving of very high praise. A huge shoutout must also go to the leading lady, Andreea Toma, who wowed with her technique in each routine and stunned in a series of glamorous costumes designed by Rachael Ryan. The show’s vocalist Rebecca Lisewski holds the whole thing together, with her soaring vocals shining in the bold, loud numbers, but also displaying a softness in the quieter, lyrical moments. 

The show features some thrilling choreography, effortlessly changing between multiple styles. There were some bold, beautiful Argentine Tango sections to an intense instrumental track, as well as some mesmerising contemporary routines to slow the pace and showcase Nikita’s outstanding skill as a lyrical dancer, drawing the audience in with his movements and emotion. These quieter moments are matched with Andrew Exeter’s set and lighting design toning down the glitz and glamour to a striking monochrome. 

The element of storytelling is really what attempts to elevate this into something more than strictly a series of dance routines, though the story felt confused and slightly weak in parts, leaving me questioning if the show even needed a storyline, given the power of the performances alone. It follows a classic Cinderella-esque story of the hero (Nikita) ultimately saving movie star Andreea Toma from her jealous, exploitative agent (Seamus McIntosh), culminating in a predictably happy ending.

Despite this, the show enjoys plenty of light and shade, including playful renditions of Titanic, Barbie and Dirty Dancing, as well as breaks for Nikita to talk to his audience - or unexpectedly bring them up on stage from the crowd, in the case of his best friend and Strictly co-star Vito Coppola! Nikita shared his nerves and excitement at taking his show out on tour for the first time, and these moments of authentic engagement highlighted Nikita’s ability to connect with his fans. He took a moment to thank those who have helped him throughout his career, and it was also a chance to show his sense of humour and newly-adopted northern British accent. 

Midnight Dancer’s humour, glamour and drama combined with the slick artistry of Nikita and his castmates will wow his fans and no doubt garner him some new ones, as those in search of an entertaining night out (storyline or not) will not be disappointed. This was very much Nikita’s night, and I’m sure this will not be his last headline tour.