Following the continued success of BBC One’s ratings-winning Strictly Come Dancing, Craig Revel Horwood’s brand new show, Strictly Confidential will give theatre audiences across the UK the chance to get up close and personal with some of the stars of the show. Craig, one of the country’s most notorious TV judges, has written and directed this fabulous treat which gives fans the chance to get a sneak-peek into the world of the hit BBC One series.
Lisa Riley, Artem Chigvintsev, Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite will take fans on an intimate journey inside the glitterball, and reveal what led them to their Strictly Come Dancing adventure.
Bury actress and Former Emmerdale star Lisa Riley took 5 mins out to chat to Manchester’s Finest direct from her Strictly Confidentail tour bus.
MF: So Lisa, what can we expect from the show when it comes to The Lowry on the 8th July?
LR: You find out about myself and my journey into Strictly and also how the professional dancers got there as well. It’s all done through narration, song and dance-so say something happened in our lives then that is interpreted through song or dance. They’re calling it a dance spectacular, there’s something for everyone and it appeals to all ages. We’ve had standing ovations every night so we must be doing something right.
MF: You went on a real journey with Strictly Come Dancing didn’t you?
LR: Yes, from start to finish it was an emotional rollercoaster for me. When you think it’s been over a year since I was first approached to go on the main show and I’m still very much Strictly-fied! I’m loving every minute of it and I know how lucky I am.
MF: So are lots of behind the scenes secrets revealed?
LR: Yes Natalie tells a story about how we all get spray tanned before the show and we talk about our love of the costumes. I think all the girls loved the costumes, the sparkly the better-under the lights it’s like you are a human disco ball.
MF: You don’t just dance in this show too we also see you sing, could this mean we may see you in musical theatre in the future?
LR: Well I sing two songs, ‘You can’t stop the Beat’ from Hairspray and ‘All that Jazz’ from Chicago. A stint in musical theatre would be really nice and it’s certainly looking like it’s going that way.
MF: How do you feel about being on home territory with The Lowry run of the tour?
LR: I’m so proud of my roots and to think I’m gonna be here for over a week is great especially as it’s my birthday on the Saturday-it will be really special. There’s not one show I haven’t got friends and family coming to out of all of the 8 shows we are doing here in Manchester so I’m gonna love every minute of it. It’s always great coming home but coming home with a show where the narration is all centred around myself is like a dream come true. It’s flattery beyond belief that Craig wanted to do my story.
MF: You mentioned Craig Revel Horwood then, he’s known as Strictly’s Mr Nasty, what’s it like being on tour with him and the rest of the pro’s ?
LR: We couldn’t ask for a better bunch, the tour bus is great we work hard but we play hard as well.
MF: So what’s the plan for after the tour finishes in August Lisa?
LR: I go on holiday 4 days after we finish, I’ve got 3 holidays planned to have a real break and then after that I’ve got a new show for ITV coming out, another West End show and then panto with Craig at Xmas.
8 – 13 July
The Lowry, Salford
0843 208 6000
@StrictlyOnStage
