It’s lights, camera, action as ‘The Magic of Hollywood’ is brought to the Crewe Lyceum courtesy of ballroom star Pasha Kovalev.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional is teaming up with long-term dance partner Anya Garnis for an ‘Oscar-worthy’ show brimming with glamour.
Pasha – who has appeared on Strictly since 2011 – says we can expect new takes on classic numbers like Singin’ In The Rain.
The 38-year-old said: “Strictly brings joy into people’s houses, and I’m an advocate of dance – I’ve trained all my life to do it – so if I can make someone smile through that, that’s the best thing. If somebody can feel something, that I’ve transformed a part of their emotions, I consider myself done.
In the last series, Pasha was paired with Holby City actress Chizzy Akudolu, but unfortunately the duo were voted out in week two.
“Chizzy was a great partner, but unfortunately we didn’t have that much time together. None of the celebrities want it to stop but she was really, really upset when she had to leave,” Pasha said.
“With Strictly there are time constraints, your routine can only be around a minute and a half and you have to tell a story in such a short space. Then a lot of times you also have a partner who is still learning, so you don’t want to overpower them. It’s not just about you, it’s about the couple. You need to let them shine through.
“In the theatre, you can do whatever you want. You can be a bit more creative, and things are far more open to interpretation. There will be twists and surprises in the show. They are scenes from Hollywood, but it doesn’t matter how old you are, you will find something you like. It goes from Fred Astaire to nowadays. I do my own take on Singin’ in the Rain.
Pasha regularly invites local dance schools to share the limelight, and Crewe’s YSD Theatre School will once again be joining him.
He said: “I give the dance school music to use and they do whatever they want with that. I love seeing all the creative ideas they come up with.
“I remember all the shows I did as a kid, which gave me so much more confidence. That’s what I hope to help them with. I’ve worked with YSD Theatre School before and the kids love it. There are 66 schools I work with across the country so it’s hard to rehearse with them all. But the routines always look refined and polished.
The Magic of Hollywood will be at the Crewe Lyceum from 7.30pm on Saturday, March 31. Tickets can be bought via the box office on 01270 368 242 or at crewelyceum.co.uk. You can also buy a ‘meet and greet’ ticket, visit the website for details.