by Amy Toledano

Dance shows can be a tough sell, especially those that are strictly tap dancing shows. Luckily for them, Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs is far from an ordinary dance show. Full of tricks, energy and spectacle, this show is thrilling and entertaining from start to finish.

Consisting of an ensemble of six male dancers making up a cast of wacky and unique characters, they create an industrial workplace where workers have a laugh, tease and challenge each other. They also do what they do best – dance. Throughout the show these characters build and change the set to increase the complexity of the tricks they perform, leaving the audience in awe of their skill and talent.

The group is lead by the Foreman (Anthony Russo), who commands the men in a way that is subtle yet clear. It is easy to see who is the top dog of this pack. The men all have relationships with each other that come across in a lovely, natural way and you feel the trust and rapport between them as soon as they enter. The way they look out for the youngest member of their group, Kid (played by the totally loveable Reid Perry), is also incredibly watchable. It is these little connections that gives this show its punch.

Something that is totally unexpected about this piece is how funny this show is. The cast sends the audience into fits of laughter without seeming to be trying at all. This show is slick, effortless and above everything else, it’s entertaining. It is unexpected and just when you think you know what is going to happen, there is fire onstage and people tap dancing upside down.

Tap Dogs runs through 10 November.

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