There’s no stopping Giovanni Pernice at the moment. No sooner will he finish touring his current show than he’ll be linking up with fellow Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke in another production, making a welcome return to Symphony Hall in late July. And no doubt he’ll be joined on that occasion by an adoring audience of mainly female fans - just as he was last night! Giovanni’s current tourer is titled Made In Italy, a homage to his homeland that sees him referencing pizzerias, motor-racing, opera and even the mafia. 
He shared the stage last night with his regular leading lady, Birmingham’s Lauren Oakley, who has just completed her first season as a professional dancer on Strictly. The pair exuded a breathtaking chemistry throughout the evening, most memorably in a dramatic Argentine Tango. 
As well as Lauren, Giovanni was joined by an ensemble of outstanding dancers & singers from the worlds of ballroom and theatre, all of whom really played their part in making this spectacular show sizzle. 
The production featured an incredible soundtrack, too. Although the music was largely recorded - with the exception of some piano and electric guitar - the singing was live and spectacular. A real stand-out was Nessun Dorma, during which Giovanni demonstrated his impressive ability to hold a tune. He really is a multi-talented showman! 
It goes without saying, of course, that the dance routines were something to behold - slick, dramatic, perfectly synchronised and performed in the most beautiful costumes. A highlight for me was a brilliant rendition of Greased Lightnin’, with which the first half was brought to a close. Judging by how many people were on their feet applauding as the lights went down, I wasn’t alone in my appreciation! 
Just as enjoyable as the dancing was Giovanni’s good-humoured banter with the audience. This show was a lot of fun, not least when he got a male member of the audience to perform with him on stage, raising plenty of laughs in the process. Giovanni even danced in drag (to You Can Leave Your Hat On)! Hats off to the fun-loving Strictly legend for performing so impressively in high heels!
Special acknowledgement should also go to the British Sign Language interpreter, who changed costume in line with the dance routines and had a really great sense of rhythm!
Dance shows featuring Strictly professionals are all the rage at the moment, and if Giovanni Pernice’s Made In Italy is anything to go by, it’s a genre with plenty of life left in it. Featuring exceptional dancing, great music, stunning costumes, brilliant banter and beautiful people, what’s not to like - particularly with the next series of Strictly still many a month away. 
Sadly, Made In Italy has no further Midlands stop-offs, so unless you’re willing to travel, you’ll have to wait for that aforementioned June/July team-up with Anton Du Beke to next enjoy an evening with Strictly’s very own Italian stallion... 
Roll on the summer! 

4 stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Saturday 7 April. Giovanni Pernice appears with Anton Du Beke in Him & Me at the following Midlands venues: Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 29 & 30 June; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 15 July; and Birmingham Symphony Hall, 29 July.