There is no doubt that Anton du Beke has found fame (and probably relative fortune) on the small screen, in the Saturday night family feel good glitterfest that is Strictly Come Dancing, although he had enjoyed a very successful and well-earned reputation prior to that on the dance circuit.

He became a firm favourite on Strictly, not least because of his charm and ability (yes, he’s king of the ballroom), but also because of his patience and graciousness with a number of celebrity partners who were, shall we say, less than accomplished on the dance floor, and latterly as a judge. He’s certainly made a successful career out of it and can now also call himself an author and a singer.

He’s been to Harrogate before (I took my mum to see him dance with his professional partner, Erin Boag, at the Conference Centre) and now he’s back with a show which is bigger, brighter and more varied, supported by two singers, four dancers and a live band.

The excitement was palpable as we entered the Royal Hall. My hubby came too, expecting to find himself somewhat outnumbered by the female of the species but in fact, while there were several groups of ladies clearly out for a good night and wearing a range of suitably glittering outfits to reflect the sparkly vibe, there was also more than a sprinkling of men and a wider age range than we might have expected. We were promised ‘a magical evening of music, dance and laughter’ and Anton did not disappoint, bringing the Christmas-flavoured glitz and glamour to the live stage and showcasing his talents to good effect.

He was most natural and at ease when dancing, both on his own and with ‘the girls’ - four dancers who were definitely accomplished in their art. The choreography showed off their skills in all dance styles and they were slick, energetic and permanently smiling. The stand-out dance for me was a wonderful ballroom number performed to ‘Silent Night’ when Anton and his partner seemed to float effortlessly around the stage in perfect harmony. Anton’s singing was also effortless and I suddenly remembered his duet with Brucie, several moons ago. He was supported by Lance Ellington, an excellent lounge singer who complemented Anton’s relaxed style, and by Paige Cook who was suitably glamorous as well as being blessed with a good voice. No musical show can be that good without a great band and they were acknowledged as they should be. In fact, reading the programme, it seems Anton has surrounded himself with experienced professionals who together, make a great team.

Good use was made of the stage which I thought at first might be a bit small for real showmanship. In fact, the evening felt quite intimate and the audience participation, which was encouraged, emphasised the more relaxed feel. At one point, I groaned as Anton led us in ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ ‘with actions’ which had us on our feet. The ladies next to me commented that this was ‘the time waster’ and I tended to agree, hoping by ‘five gold rings’ that we were not going to be frog-marched through the whole thing. In fact, I take it back because Anton picked up the pace and by the end, the laughter was truly genuine, a relatively successful rendition (with actions) was achieved, and we’d all had the opportunity to stretch our legs.

Confidence and enjoyment was exuded from the stage by all the performers, not least of course by the master himself. He was comfortable in the spotlight and his asides to the audience, (including the odd risque joke) along with his glances which said so much more, were probably scripted but seemed impromptu. His self-deprecating humour, even the fact he had a bit of a cold and needed a tissue which became a running gag and which I assume was completely spontaneous, all added to the creation of a seamless show which was well received by a mixed audience. If you want a lesson on how to put on a pair of tights, Anton is your man. I’m not sure how he managed to turn such a mundane task into such an entertaining sketch – although the grass skirt added to the hilarity!

Anton is on tour, the dates, seamlessly entwined around Strictly on TV and this was his only night in Harrogate. The stage design, costumes and content ensured that even though it was only 1st December, it truly felt, for the capacity audience, as though the Christmas season had begun. He’s back in Yorkshire later in the month, in York and Bradford, if you want to catch him.


Christmas with Anton du Beke and Friends at the Royal Hall, Harrogate 1st December.