Strictly Ballroom the Musical dances into Liverpool

Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom is set to quickstep it to Liverpool as part of an inaugural UK tour for the stage musical.

And it's been announced that Strictly professional champion Kevin Clifton will take the lead role of Scott Hastings in the new production which arrives at the Empire in April 2021.

Meanwhile Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood will direct.

Clifton today described Scott Hastings as “my dream role” and added: “I was 10 years old when I first watched the movie that would become my favourite film of all time.

“I really can’t wait to don the golden jacket and waltz all over the UK in what’s set to be an incredible show.”

The show is based on the award-winning 1992 romantic comedy, written and directed by Luhrmann and starring Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice, that inspired the world to dance.

And it has come full circle as the future Hollywood director and fellow students at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art first devised the story as a stage play.

Strictly Ballroom the Musical tells the story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer.

When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he 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…

The musical is written by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, and the soundtrack includes well-known numbers like Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time as well as new songs from Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect.

Craig Revel Horwood said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be directing the 2020/21 UK tour of Strictly Ballroom The Musical - it’s going to be fab-u-lous! The theatre is where I come alive and it is there that I feel in my most creative element.

“Having directed the UK arena tour of Strictly Come Dancing for the past few years, I simply can’t wait to put my stamp on this iconic and much-loved musical. Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening."

Strictly Ballroom the Musical is at the Liverpool Empire from April 26 to May 1 2021.