The joy of seeing a beautifully crafted show that takes you on an emotional journey and leaves you hopeful, inspired and wanting to dance is not to be underestimated: it’s something that can live on inside you long after the show has finished. Here is a story of a group of friends in 1970s New York: their connections and conflicts, their lives and loves, told through music and movement, by the most supremely talented and skilled dancers you are likely to see on any stage. Not only that but the music driving the story, almost becoming another character, is from the musical legends that are James Brown, Etta James, and Sam Cooke. The icing on the cake is the exceptional choreography. And the cherry on top of the icing on the cake is that the two creators / writers / choreographers / designers of this are two of the seven dancers we see on the stage.

There are so many aspects of this production to admire and gasp in awe of, including the overall design of the show with the coloured lighting strips at the back sometimes silhouetting the dancers. The simplicity of the set up with pieces being brought on and off giving so much space, lets them tell their stories in movement; more than that, it helps us understand that the New York scene this is representing was created at the time very much by them and for them, without frills and fuss. This is something they all came together to enjoy and find release in, a specific place where people of many backgrounds mingled and were accepted which was not the case elsewhere. Over an evening we see them individually meeting each other as friends in the street, getting ready and going out to their regular haunt: it’s clear just through the dance, and no words are needed.

There are so many different pictures that imprint and impact, and it’s constant: they are always fully committed: the energy never dips, they are so incredibly expressive with every part of themselves including faces and gestures. Their movements have such precision, grace and elegance you may literally sit in your seat saying “wow” to yourself as you watch. The skills on show are nothing short of extraordinary in every sense: the technique in all the fused dance styles which flow so beautifully together is breath-taking. They own it all, they are so incredibly expressive and passionate and skilled story tellers as well as dancers. They hit the accents in the music as well as the rhythm, as if underlining important musical phrases. Their fluidity of movement in some parts contrasts with tension in others which carries through to the tips of their fingers: this attention to detail is exceptional.

There are so many standout moments, such as the two couples getting ready to go out: one established relationship and one new. The differences and contrasts between them is so incredibly well observed: the disconnects happening between the established couple then becoming more flowing and synchronised without them even looking at each other; compared with the sensual tension of the new couple, the electricity between them that had not yet become a knowing flow. The slow motion pieces suddenly starting and ending with precision split second timing are stunning, and the two women in the ‘toilets’ show in pictures what every woman going out will have experienced with friends: chatting, redoing makeup, and checking each other before leaving. The relationships they create are so real we recognise ourselves in them, regardless of this being a different country or time period: going out and letting your hair down is something most of us experience, or will have at some point.

This is exceptional work, stunning choreography and performed by the most skilled dancers and storytellers ever to be assembled. The music both holds and drives the piece, running like a vein pulsing through every nuance. This also takes you on an emotional journey alongside all the characters, feeling their joys and turmoils and connections. This is created and driven with passion, from the writers and choreographers to every single person involved in telling the story and creating the stunning array of shapes on the stage. It’s jaw dropping, awe inspiring and deeply moving. Exceptional in every way, wonderfully inspiring, and absolutely flawless.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 3 November 2026
The Brown Suite runs until 4 November 2026