BRENDAN Cole was joined by a flawless cast of dancers and musicians as he stepped back on to the York Barbican stage on Thursday for his new show A Night To Remember. It truly was an evening of thrills, frills and incredible skill.

From a smooth tango, to a buzzing quickstep, and a good few of Cole’s trademark ballroom numbers to please an eager crowd, there was something for everyone, as Cole promised at the start of the night.

The rumba, danced to Steven Chapman’s Cinderella, was a tear-jerker that I would challenge even the most hard-hearted to sit through without a throb of emotion.

Cole’s dancers were exceptional, with his partner Fauve Hautot stealing the show. The energy, technique and passion of each dancer made each number fun and exciting to watch.

The live band that accompanied Cole’s dancers increased the atmosphere of the evening by tenfold.

As the dancers twirled across the stage, perfectly executing inventive versions of the tango, jive, cha cha cha and quick step, the 14-man band, led by musical director, Barry Robinson, rocked through the set with energy and ease. Vocalists Julie Maguire and Ian Mackenzie were sensational.

The perfect combination of music, dancing, lighting and costume created a truly dazzling show. Often the limitations of touring companies lose something in translation from one arena to the next, but Cole’s show really took it to the next level. The atmosphere in the room was fantastic.

Overall, this was an opportunity to experience the professional, exciting and energetic moves of Strictly on the Barbican’s own stage. A definite must for any fan of Strictly, Cole or professional dance.

- Rosanna O'Donnell