I was fortunate enough to visit the Tyne Theatre and Opera House to watch Supernova, the new dance spectacular starring Nikita Kuzmin.
This was my first time at the theatre, and what a lovely venue it is. The historic interior immediately gives the evening a sense of occasion, making it an ideal setting for a production designed to deliver glamour, spectacle and plenty of star power. However programmes were 10.99, so I opted not to open my wallet at that price.
Supernova sees Strictly Come Dancing finalist and fan favourite Nikita Kuzmin take centre stage in an explosive touring production created in collaboration with world-renowned choreographer and BAFTA recipient Jason Gilkison. Presented by international dance company Burn the Floor, the show brings together highly skilled dancers and creatives from around the world.
We were also treated to a very special guest appearance from fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional Nadiya Bychkova.
The theatre was packed, and much of the audience screamed with delight the moment Nikita was introduced. It was immediately clear that he had brought a considerable fanbase with him, and the excitement in the room helped create a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
I will concentrate first on the choreography, which was excellent. The movement exceeded my expectations, shifting between energetic, playful and elegant depending on the demands of each sequence. The choreography felt detailed and ambitious without losing its sense of fun.
I was drawn into the production fairly quickly. Much of the scenery and scene-setting was delivered through a large digital backdrop, allowing the show to move swiftly between locations, moods and styles without lengthy interruptions.
The dancers were highly skilled and demonstrated genuine flair and passion throughout. Each performer brought their own personality to the stage while remaining part of a tightly coordinated ensemble. The cast danced with precision, confidence and considerable stamina.
As a whole, Supernova packs plenty of punches and an enormous amount of creativity. The production has clearly been put together with great care, balancing technical skill with theatrical spectacle.
There were also several jokes and conversational moments from Nikita, allowing his personality and natural charm to come through. These sections broke up the dancing and gave the audience an opportunity to connect with him beyond the choreography. Some viewers may prefer an uninterrupted dance production, but I felt these moments helped give the evening a more personal quality.
The one part of the show that did not work for me was the opening number. I did not feel the choice of music created the strongest possible introduction, but my biggest issue was the lighting. Bright beams repeatedly swept across the audience, making it feel less like the opening of a glamorous dance show and more like a search-and-rescue mission.The lighting also interfered with sightlines and briefly made it difficult to focus fully on the performers.
I quietly hoped the rest of the production would keep the lights concentrated on the stage rather than the audience, and fortunately, it did.
One of my favourite sections was the Hollywood dance sequence. It was beautifully constructed, visually elegant and surprisingly moving. I may even have felt the occasional emotional twinge, although nobody should mention that to Grace. She will be reaching into her satchel and passing me a handkerchief before the final curtain.
The production naturally showcases Nikita’s considerable talent as a dancer, but this is far from being a one-person show. The entire cast was sensational, with Nadiya’s appearance adding further elegance, skill and star quality to the evening.
Supernova is energetic, glamorous and filled with impressive choreography. It is a show with personality, technical excellence and a cast capable of delivering both power and beauty.
Despite my reservations about the opening number, the production recovered immediately and went on to provide an excellent evening of entertainment. Its on tour now, so get booking.
A firm 5 stars.
An explosive evening of skill, spectacle and sensational choreography.” — Theatre Village, ★★★★★
Shows – Nikita Kuzmin – Supernova
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