REVIEW: Strictly Barking, Headgate Theatre, Colchester Fringe ✭✭✭✭✭

Guest reviewer Sparky Backman Juliff reviews Strictly Barking at the Headgate Theatre as part of the Colchester Fringe Festival.

Strictly BarkingHeadgate Theatre, Colchester Fringe Festival5 stars Colchester Fringe Website Have you ever seen a dog dance? Have you ever seen a homeless dog dance? Have you ever seen a homeless dog dance in a ballroom dance competition? This show tells the story of an elderly, lonely man and a sneaky, hungry dog who both have a burning passion for dance! When Hogarth finds out that his new best friend doesn't have a name, he gives him the name ‘Easy Peeler’ because of his friend's love for easy-peeling oranges. They join a ballroom dance competition as a duo after seeing it advertised but the one important rule they missed at the bottom of the poster, in bright red writing, the words, “NO DOGS ALLOWED!” When the judges of the competition, the Mayor and his scheming cat find out Easy Peeler is a DOG, the canine-hating cat demands Easy Peeler to be locked up. Through the power of dance and kindness, Hogarth and his dog prevail! This fantastic performance is packed full of Humour, action and a heartwarming friendship. The dog and cat don’t actually say anything except ‘woof’ and ‘meow’ but the miming and facial expressions were so perfect I forgot they were not speaking, the interaction with the audience was also amazing. This show is perfect for the whole family, from young to old. I promise you will be barking with joy when you watch this exceptional performance!