Review: Dance N'Speak Easy, Wanted Posse, Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Dance N'Speak Easy ★★★★☆

By Wanted Posse and Underbelly

Directed by Philippe Lafeuille

Review: Underbelly Bristo Square, McEwan Hall

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 12 August 2024

World Champions of Hip-Hop Wanted Posse bring their unique cocktail of freestyle dance, singing and burlesque to the Edinburgh Fringe with their exciting new show Dance N'Speak Easy.

Primarily a dance show where the Charleston, Jitterbug and lindy hop meet house dance and freestyle hip-hop in a 1920s New York speakeasy, the multi-talented cast also sing and scuffle. It's the epitome of an underground melting-pot environment where several dance styles and attitudes rub shoulders in a turbulent drinking den.

There's the hint of a story too: "... during the 1920s Prohibition period five innocuous mobsters vie for the attention of a voluptuous ‘femme fatale’ to the remixed sounds of Miles Davis, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Betty Boop." The music is an unexpected bonus with well-loved sultry Swing tunes giving way to frenzied Afro-American beats and even a nod to 90's gangsta rap.

The set is simple but beautifully lit, and the use of light and shadow makes for an aesthetic and artistically creative production. The hanging beer bottles add interest, and the table and chairs soon become props in the story. It's clear that much thought has gone into staging this show.

Wanted Posse in Dance N'Speak Easy. Photo credit: Richard Bord

The high-energy dance numbers to the upbeat soundtrack are the highlight for me. But there is a surprising amount of silence in Dance N'Speak Easy too. Between the dance routines the room falls eerily quiet, and this is when the performers pretend to face-off, brawl and drink. I did find it a little odd at first, but as the show progressed I came to appreciate the music breaks more as it allows us to focus on the intricate fight choreography and, of course it gives the dancers time to breathe.

The cast, Wanted Posse in Dance N'Speak Easy. Photo credit: Richard Bord

Each member of Dance N'Speak Easy is both a dancer and a choreographer - they have invented this show together, and their love and passion for it shines through. They each bring different qualities, and showcase a wide variety of dance styles and gasp-inducing tricks.

The performers are all brilliant, but Jessie Perot has to be one of the most incredible, flexible, technically stunning dancers I've ever seen. She's outstanding. And then she climbs atop a table and moves and sings like Jessica Rabbit. What?! Some people are just unfairly gifted. I'm in awe of her talent.

With the speakeasy environment and offbeat but enticing music choices, Wanted Posse have created something that sets them apart from other dance offerings at the fringe. Dance N'Speak Easy is a showcase of world-class dance but it's also just really cool. The dancers are all oh so stylish and a real joy to watch. ★★★★☆

Dance N'Speak Easy plays at Underbelly Bristo Square (McEwan Hall) until 26 August.

Note

Although the age recommendation for this show is 5+ and it's billed as 'family friendly' I would advise caution. There's a lot of fighting / bar-brawls and pretending to drink from wine and beer bottles. The dancing is world-class and would appeal to a universal audience, but it comes packaged in the very adult environment of a NYC speakeasy, so use your own judgement if it's suitable for your kids.

📰 Find all Edinburgh Fringe coverage from Lisa in the Theatre HERE

---

Dance N'Speak Easy Cast & Creatives

Direction: Philippe Lafeuille

Performers: Jessie Perot, Ibrahim Njoya, Martin Thai, Claude Messi-Fouda, Arthur Grandjean, Marcel Ndjeng

Choreography: Njagui Hagbé

Dance N'Speak Easy Edinburgh 2024 dates

Venue: Underbelly Bristo Square (McEwan Hall)

Dates: 1 - 26 August 2024 15:25

⌚ Running time: 60 minutes

⚠️ Age Recommendation | 5+ Family-friendly (see note above)

🎟️ Tickets from £11.50 https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/dance-n-speak-easy

Wanted Posse in Dance N'Speak Easy. Photo credit: Richard Bord

MORE: Find more theatre news and reviews on Lisa in the Theatre here

📸 Find Lisa in the Theatre on Instagram

🎟️ Disclosure: I am an Edinburgh Festival Fringe accredited media reviewer and as such I receive complimentary press tickets in exchange for my honest reviews. My reviews and star ratings are always my honest opinions.