CULTURE EDITION
MUSICAL THEATRE AN AUDIENCE WITH ANTON Cambridge puts on the ol’ razzle dazzle this month, with the arrival of Strictly Come Dancing judge and unofficial King of the Ballroom, Anton du Beke F ew star performers have more showbiz sparkle than Anton du Beke. He’s probably the favourite Interview LIZ POTTER two halves to my career: one was being a competitive ballroom dancer and the other as a dancer on television and in theatre. So I feel like I’ve had the best of both worlds.” After 17 years as a Strictly professional,
Strictly Come Dancing judge, with his self- deprecating humour and boundless energy. For the past few months, in between his weekends filming the BBC TV show, he’s been touring Showman: An Evening with Anton du Beke . He’s now in rehearsals for his new Christmas show, which comes to Cambridge on 12 December. “I’ve only been to the Corn Exchange once before, in April 2023,” shares Anton. “I remember thinking ‘there’s nowhere to park!’ but I actually have a nice connection with Cambridge. Years ago, Erin Boag and I used to teach dance to couples at the university. I was head coach.” Anton’s new show Christmas with Anton du Beke & Friends promises to be a magical combination of festive dancing, singing and music. Guest performers will include vocalist Lance Ellington, as well as dancers such as Rosie Ward. “There aren’t many shows where you also get live music, but we will have a live band, who are all incredible,” he says. Anton will even be singing as part of the show. “It’s all my favourite Christmas songs. We open with It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and finish with the Slade classic Merry Xmas Everybody – and cover everything in between.” Tour de force Anton says he enjoys his time on the road, performing for his fans. “Touring the UK is not like touring America, where you have to jump on a plane all the time,” he says. “I’m heading up to Newark today, which is about two-and-a-half hours from home, so it’s not the end of the world. I’m not a martyr to it though: I won’t do eight shows a week at a different venue every night. I don’t want to kill myself – I want to enjoy it! If I had to do hundreds of the bloody things then I wouldn’t enjoy it. The moment I start counting them down is when I’ll know I’m doing too much...” Legend has it that Anton, who grew up in Sevenoaks, Kent, took up ballroom dancing as a teenager after being sent to collect his sister from dance class and thinking he might enjoy it himself. “I always wanted to do something in the theatre,” he explains. “That was always a dream of mine. I feel like there have been
dancing in every series since its inception in 2004, Anton joined the judging panel in 2021, replacing Bruno Tonioli. “As a judge, you’re always looking for that lovely combination of sound technique and a wonderful personality – and they need energy. Energy sells. It shows that a dancer is committed to what they’re doing. The only way to dance is to throw yourself into it entirely. Timing and musicality, of course, are the glue that holds everything together. You want them to have a bit of everything, but sometimes you just have to take what you’re given!” Anton won’t be drawn as to who he thinks will lift this year’s glitter-ball trophy. “It’s so close,” he enthuses. “It’s been such a great year this year.” Nor will he spill who his favourite partner has been: “...although people are still talking about my time with Ann Widdecombe. She’ll go down as iconic in the annals of Strictly history.” Anton’s busy work schedule demands that he stay in shape. “I work out most days, either in the gym or through actually performing. Dance fitness is quite holistic – flexibility is key, but power is important too. I work on strength whenever I’m in the gym, doing old-school power lifting.” Anton’s plans for the future include more writing and more dancing. “I’m in talks with my editor about a new children’s book we’ve got coming out next year,” he shares. “Writing is a love of mine, and I’ll also continue to dance and tour until they carry me out in a box… Sorry, I’ve gone a bit dark there...” Christmas with Anton du Beke is showing at Cambridge Corn Exchange on 12 December. For tickets, visit cambridgelive.org.uk
FAB-U-LOUS Anton may have become a Strictly judge but he still relishes time spent dancing
20 DECEMBER 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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