It's Showtime... Johannes Radebe - Freedom: Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham!

Back to the theatre for the third time this year, Birmingham welcomed me back one more time! It was time to experience 'Freedom', Strictly Come Dancing's 'Johannes Radebe's' solo tour at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre. Undoubtedly, it would be a joyous show that would be full of love, light and a who lot of 'freedom!' Serving an African 'flex', I was excited to see the his show! 

The Alexandra? Who? Oh, yes! I remembered who she is! It had been many years since my most recent show at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre. 2022 had me back in Birmingham for a very different show, but what was taking so long for the doors to be opened! A 'meet and great?' Hey, we were all queuing to see the fabulous Johannes Radebe do his thing! For him, I was prepared to wait for a little longer than the curtain call detailed. If I am completely honest, Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre was never a venue where I caught a show because the Hippodrome always caught my attention during those University days! I almost contemplated booking tickets to the most recent nationwide tour of Death Drop but London had a plan for me in 2022. Getting to Birmingham that Sunday had me and my Mum taking a different route from Bilston, the West Midlands Metro closure had us taking the train from Coseley to our dismay. Midland Metro Alliance, I will continue to judge you with disdain! We made it to Birmingham no matter what!

Waiting in the line allowed me to feel a certain anticipation in the air, people were genuinely excited to see Freedom by Johannes since the show was 'sold out!' The South African dancing sensation had made his presence on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing but with a clear emphasis when we speak about the 2021 season. Boundaries were broken down and history was made with the first male pairing on the show as Johannes danced with 'Great British Bake Off' winner, John Whaite. Most importantly, Johannes's pure energy and love for his craft had the whole nation in love with him regardless. Releasing tickets for his 'Freedom Tour' had the country in a frenzy because the vast majority of his shows have been performed to 'sold out' crowds across the country. Kicking his show off in Bridlington on March 16th 2022, with a run of thirty dates spanning venues from Glasgow to Cardiff with my Birmingham show taking place on April 10th 2022. The profits from the tour would be used to build a house for Johannes's Mum? Yes, JoJo! 

Johannes had already said that his first solo tour would feature a whole lot of 'African flare' with his own stamp put on the choreography. Gracing the stage during his opening number, Radebe donned the featured animal print tribal inspired number with a show-stopping opener. Johannes and his dancers had the whole theatre clapping and cheering the house down, stopping with the mic in his hand, he couldn't contain his gratitude. His humbleness didn't shock us because during every interview and moments spent on Strictly, Radebe would pour out his heart with the most appreciation for the fans and his art. Bursting into another routine, the show had us experiencing a 'township' dance experience as Johannes took us back to his 'Zamdela Township'. Showered with encouragement from his Mum, he made his way to Johannesburg to pursue his dream, to become a professional dancer and to make his passion a career! His ability to captivate the audience with his monologues had us loving him even more!

With a series of elaborate costume changes, JoJo and his ensemble gave us everything and more! His accompanying dancers had all the right moves, allowing Johannes to take the floor as the star and working together as the perfect ensemble at the same time. Anelisa Lamola appeared onstage during each transition, belting her outstanding vocals for us all to fall in love with, alongside Hakeem Tinubu the singing pair wowed us. The show had us listening and looking at the colourful story of Johannes's early Township days, his move to Johannesburg before he received the life-changing call from the BBC. Merging African dance styles with costumes to boot, the show served us 'Ballroom' overness in abundance and more! Quick changing onstage from his previous outfit to a tuxedo, he was foxtrot ready at a seconds notice. Yet more microphone pitstops saw him express his love for Birmingham and the crowd that loved him right back! Go on, build your Mum the best house that money can buy! Get it, JoJo! 

Yes, the stage had been designed by a local Birmingham talent! During one of Johannes's microphone monologues he went on to express that his vision for the stage was simple but very poignant. The set designer had captured the essence of Johannes's Township, Zamdela. The interval arrived but not a minute too soon, we had already witnessed such an amazing show! It's not lie that some performers sell out, that they charge extortionate prices for their tickets and perform in venues that have no soul because of their arena-like sizes. Johannes Radebe's Freedom Tour stayed authentic to his core, the prices were more than reasonable and the theatre venues had us part of the show seamlessly! His passion to entertain had us throwing our money into that 'house fund' for his Mum! Back to the show! Sequins and sass, we were about to be given a full ass show once more! He had already danced with his coat of many colours, displaying the countries in the world where Homosexuality is illegal. A queen with a cause? Yes! 

Giving us the 'Priscilla Queen Of The Desert' fantasy was a treat, heels and tricks in tow, it was time for the finale! High-kicking and turning all of those fabulous moves had me living for certain, Johannes lived his truth out on that stage and for that it was a pleasure to be in that theatre! There's always hate in this world but Johannes came to brighten up our world that Sunday in April! Bringing out all of those 'camp' classics, Johannes the whole theatre reaching their hands into the air with much enthusiasm. Burning up a 'Disco Inferno' he took us back to the days of the almighty 'Sylvester' making us feel 'mighty real!' No, it wasn't just a 'feel good' ending to an already uplifting show, the whole theatre agreed that it was a situation to 'feel great' about! Johannes's Freedom Tour wraps up on May 1st 2022 at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. We as a public cannot wait to see the house that he's going to build for his Mum and for his homecoming show in Zamdela to take place! Johannes is right, 'Freedom' is everything! 

Sorry Bruno! We Don't Talk About JoJo! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure