SYNCOPATION
Bridewell Theatre
14th March – 13th April, 2024

“Inspired by Irene and Vernon Castle – ballroom superstars of their day, who laid the foundation for ballroom dancing as we know it and were the subjects of a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film – meatpacker Henry Ribolow and seamstress Anna Bianchi decide to embark on a journey to become renowned ballroom dancers in pre-war New York. Responding to Henry’s advertisement in the paper, Anna finds herself drawn into the freeing and passionate world of dance, set against the backdrop of exciting, revolutionary ideas at the turn of the century, the urban rhythm of New York City, and Ragtime.”

Review by Richard Lambert, 5 Stars

Every now and again you can find a little gem of a show tucked away in a theatre that isn’t “West End” and this is exactly that! The Bridewell Theatre has a huge legacy for those who love theatre but not necessarily the West End big guns. It’s easy to get to, just a few minutes from Blackfriars tube station.

Award-winning writer Allan Knee’s ballroom-inspired play Syncopation is having its UK premiere right here. The story is truly inspirational and based on following a dream. We all have them and sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t and there can be steps in the right direction and knock-backs. It’s all here in this emotionally charged musical production with dance.

Performed so delightfully by Devon-Elise Johnson and Jye Frasca it has a light touch and such beautiful acting. The choreography is superb, the singing wonderful, the set works really well and the lighting is superb!

On top of all this is the 3-piece band who never over-power, just bringing the right amount of gentleness to this beautiful piece of theatre.

When every department does a fantastic job you know it – you won’t want to miss this one!

Further details can be found here: Click here

Syncopation
Dates Thursday 14th March – Saturday 13th April 2024
Location Bridewell Theatre, 14 Bride Lane, Fleet Street, EC4Y 8EQ
How to Get There The nearest Underground station is Blackfriars on the District and Circle lines
Running Time 2 hours 30 minutes plus interval

Director Karen Jemison
Choreographer Jenny Thomas
Musical Director Fiz Shapur
Costume and Set Design Mayou Trikerioti
Lighting Design Joseph Ed Thomas
Sound Design Beth Duke

Cast
Anna: Devon-Elise Johnson
Henry: Jye Frasca

Photo credit: Lesley Cook