Dance review: Diversity

FUN, lively and infectiously feel-good though it may be, streetdance as a genre has a relatively limited repertoire. Five to ten minute routines work a treat, as demonstrated by Diversity's match-winning performances on Britain's Got Talent. But filling a two-hour show with wall-to-wall streetdance would be a challenge for any choreographer.

Happily, Diversity's frontman and chief creator Ashley Banjo has a vivid imagination and access to no small amount of technical wizardry.

Now that they've hit the big time, Diversity can also afford to call in a few friends, giving their ambitious production Diversitoys an almost variety show feel. A slightly convoluted plot, involving rival toy shops and stolen designs, finds the Diversity boys playing toys which come alive when the planets align. Breaking free from their packaging, they journey through the shop encountering a group of streetdancing dolls, breakdancing action figures and a remote control Bionic Boy.

Add to that the remarkable vocal sounds of a beatboxer, and there is no shortage of entertainment. Banjo knows his audience demographic stretches far and wide, and tries to be all things to all people, which inevitably dilutes his artistry. Yet there are moments, such as the now famous Transformers routine, when the true potential of Banjo's talent shines through.

Ultimately though, it is the superb homage to Michael Jackson, filled with Jackson's own choreography, that steals the show.