Johannes Radebe: Freedom Unleashed Review

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Emmie

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

Johannes Radebe has been gracing us with his infectiously joyous presence on Strictly Come Dancing since 2018. In that time he has undertaken many great partnerships but most notably, was the one that challenged the traditional gaze in ballroom dance. Partnering with John Whaite back in 2021, they became the first all-male couple on the smash-hit BBC show. This show enables us to celebrate that specific reaffirming moment in his career. However, we unearth the foundations of this brilliant professional dancer.

This new production of Freedom Unleashed is the follow-up to last year’s Freedom show. If you didn’t get the chance to see it last year - don’t worry because you are still in for a treat! Freedom Unleased is an explosion of colour, slick choreography and passion through every breath. The show journeys through African dance and music - pantsula and kizomba dance, the Miriam Makeba - to the preppy Strictly-style sketches that thousands tune into every year on TV. There is also a really playful take on musical performances and he must be signed up to do the next tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert let me tell you!

Radebe honours his upbringing in a heartwarming and spectacular style. We experience a lot of music/dance styles that aren’t delivered in a lot of dance productions. This in itself was an important moment to really immerse yourself in a traditional and engaging style of dance.

This production has this really gravitating force that flows throughout. There is clear intent in every movement and this is backed up by an outstanding diverse cast of world-class talent (Oliver Adam-Reynolds, Lila Eccles, Lowri Evans, Demmileigh Foster, Jared Irving, Luke Jarvis, Shayna McPherson, Joshian Angelo Omana, Barnaby Quarendon and Zinzile Tshuma). Their athleticism and style enable the storytelling to maintain the audience’s attention. They complement Johannes well overall. This production is also supported by two fantastic singers Ramelo and Duane-Lamonte O’Garro who lapped up every opportunity to show off their flawless vocal ability.

Helen Robinson-Tsingos’ Costume Design and Andrew Exeter’s Set & Lighting Design give Freedom Unleashed a consistent level of vibrancy and attention to detail that aligns with the energy delivered by the choreography.

This is one of the most fulfilling and joyous pieces of dance productions I’ve got my hands on in the last few years. It’s aspirational stuff to watch!