Reviews

Diversity: Limitless – The Reboot (Tour – Phones 4 U Arena, Manchester)

Amazing dance moves, sometimes overshadowed by some cheesiness.

They famously shot to fame in 2009 when they beat the unforgettable Susan Boyle to the winning post in Britain’s Got Talent. And now Diversity are back with their new tour Limitless: The Reboot.

Diversity
Diversity

The spectacle of a show stays true to the dance group’s name – with a diverse array of entertainment that ultimately provokes mixed opinions.

On the one hand, the eight boys exert energy and enthusiasm for their art that proves how they have built up such a loyal fanbase over the past five years. Their synchronisation is truly spectacular and certain aspects of the choreography are second to none.

Additionally, the lighting rig, the eclectic music playlist, the atmosphere they drum up in the arena, and some stunning stunts also contribute to the production’s success.

However, when the troupe first appeared on the hit ITV show they offered something different, the "wow factor" that propelled street dance into the national limelight and gave them the immediate status of cool.

In this show, a weak and cheesy narrative based around the group’s motto of "Dream, Believe, Achieve" sometimes distractsfrom what is happening on the stage, and – especially at the start – formations, flips and gestures can become repetitive.

At times, guest acts do steal the limelight – with little Theo being a joy to watch, and providing us with the memories of a now much taller, but equally talented, Perri (who now by the way is seemingly a real hit with the ladies).

And while the audience participation is good, the group have barely warmed up their crowd before they are running through the aisles into the centre of the arena – something that most headline acts now make the most of, but much later in their performance.

That said, the second half definitely steps up a gear, and in one section in particular, you do not want the piece to end.

The "time machine" plot line is one that could have been developed even further, with its juxtaposition of music and movement, variation of styles, live singing, and partner work with a guest girl group being an absolute pleasure from beginning to end. A Michael Jackson medley also provides a real "Thriller" of a scene.

There is no doubt that once again creator Ashley Banjo has worked his magic, and with a different plot and/or reshuffle the routines independently, this could be phenomenal.

The cheers and squealing from the audience show that the group still hold a firm place in the marketplace. And with their unity and ability, they continue to make us proud by proving that Britain most certainly has talent.