BAZ Luhrmann’s musical Strictly Ballroom is coming to Venue Cymru in Llandudno this month.

Directed by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, and choreographed by Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison, the musical stars Kevin Clifton as Scott Hastings.

Eastenders star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Maisie Smith makes her musical debut in the lead female role of Fran.

Kevin and Maisie were previous champions of the Strictly Come Dancing Children in Need Special 2019.

The musical tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer, whose radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation.

He soon finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom.

Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time, and will also feature new songs by acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.

This uplifting and courageous musical originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of classmates at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1984, and the feature film eventually earned a 1994 Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture.

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Director Craig Revel Horwood said: "I am absolutely delighted to be directing the amazing Kevin Clifton and the sensational Maisie Smith, together with our super talented cast in Strictly Ballroom The Musical - I know that they’ll all be fab-u-lous!

“Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening!"

For Kevin Clifton, a role in the musical has always been a dream.

He was ten years old when he watched the film version of Strictly Ballroom and, as a budding competitive dancer, immediately saw himself in the character of Scott Hastings, recalling: “He was a hero to me and such an inspiration.

“I'm thrilled to finally be fulfilling my lifelong ambition to play Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom The Musical.

“When I was ten years old I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time. This is my dream role.

“I’m beyond excited to be performing with Maisie again – she’s amazing - and can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK with her in this incredible show."

Some 29 years since he first saw the movie, Kevin Clifton remembers relating to Scott’s desire to dance his way rather than following the rulebook.

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“I’m not sure whether it was something in me or whether it was totally inspired by the movie but I always felt the same way,” he recalls. “I was always more obsessed with entertaining an audience than winning a competition.”

Maisie Smith said Strictly had been a “huge part of her life”, adding: “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to continue that journey in Strictly Ballroom The Musical.

“Not only do I get to make my musical theatre debut with my former partner in crime, Kevin Clifton, but I get to work with Craig Revel Horwood and Jason Gilkison again too - I can't wait.

She relates to Fran, saying: “She’s young and rebellious. She’s also ambitious and cheeky, so it’s the perfect role for me to play, although she’s probably a little more confident than I am.”

Smith is happy to be reunited with her Children in Need dancing partner three years after they bagged the Glitterball trophy.

“We got on so well and that was the start of my Strictly journey,” she said, having gone on to compete on Strictly itself the following year when she eventually came second. “It’s so nice to be dancing together again, and this time we’ve got a whole tour rather than just a week.”

Clifton concurs, adding: “We worked really well together, even though it was only for that one week, so it’s great to be reunited. I can’t wait for people to see what Maisie can do. We’ve seen her dancing and acting but she’s also a really good singer.

“It’s as good as musical theatre gets, with great singing, great dancing and a love story at its heart.”

Strictly Ballroom The Musical is on at Venue Cymru from October 24-29, with tickets available here.