one4review | On 19, Aug 2023

If you’re a strictly fan and a dog lover and you have children I imagine this show might very well be for you. Strictly Barking is a whimsical fusion of daft comedy and dancing.

This is the story of man meets dog, man persuades dog to enter a dance competition and without spoiling it any further you get the idea of what kind of madcap caper you’re in for. The camaraderie between the old man and the dog shines, especially during their cake scene that morphs into an amusing ballroom dance. But tension brews with the entrance of the competition organiser, clearly swayed by his pet cat, Steven, and the ‘no dogs allowed’ decree.

The challenge the show faces is the two actors juggling multiple roles occasionally muddles the narrative. The use of throwing balls into an audience isn’t a new one but I’d recommend soft ones in future as I saw one child get hit in the head in surprise by a larger ball and that seemed to take the fun out of the rest of the show for them.

Strictly Barking is a bit of a mixed bag, while it’s clear there are some kinks to iron out, the show’s heart is in the right place, offering up a unique blend of laughs, dance, and genuine moments of heartwarming connection. If you can overlook a few bumps in the narrative road, you’re in for a tail-wagging adventure.

***
Reviewed by Matthew
Gilded Balloon Teviot – Nightclub
13.00 (1hr)
19 and 20 August