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jaydarcy
29th December 2022

Giovanni Pernice brings the Italian heat to The Lowry in not-so sunny Salford

Giovanni Pernice brings his new solo tour, Made in Italy, to The Lowry – where he will transport the audience from not-so sunny Salford to his breathtaking homeland
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Giovanni Pernice brings the Italian heat to The Lowry in not-so sunny Salford
Photo: Joseph Sinclair and Strictly Theatre Co.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice always seems to be on tour. He starred alongside Anton Du Beke in Him & Me in both 2021 and 2022, with new dates next year. He completed a solo tour (This is Me) last year, and he’s set to begin a new solo tour (Made in Italy) in early 2023. He’s incredibly sought-after, with thousands of Strictly fans keen to see him in the flesh (and, oh, does he show his flesh).

Since joining the hit BBC show in 2015, Giovanni has become one of the best-loved and most successful dancers on the programme – and in the country. He secured a place in the final thrice, before finally lifting the glitter ball in 2021 with celebrity partner Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show’s first ever deaf contestant.

Giovanni had previously described himself as “always the bridesmaid… never the bride”, before finally winning with Rose. The iconic show dance where they danced in complete silence won the pair a BAFTA.

If that wasn’t enough, Giovanni also received the earliest ever perfect score in the show’s history, as well as overtaking former professional dancer Pasha Kovalev to receive the most ever 10s.

This year, he was part of a same-sex partnership with footballer-turned-TV-and-radio-personality Richie Anderson. This came after Giovanni unashamedly danced with male audience members at each date of his This is Me tour.

This is Me had audiences raving, “Giovanni’s best show to date”, “The best show I’ve ever seen”, and “‘Most magical and captivating show ever”. These glowing reviews are why, unlike most Strictly stars, Giovanni can tour year-round (outside of Strictly season, of course).

After last year’s sold-out solo tour, Giovanni invites you to join him on a journey to his homeland in Made in Italy.

Former Strictly star (and two-times champion) Oti Mabuse similarly took audiences back to her homeland, South Africa, in her recent tour, I am Here. It’s a winning formula, in which audiences get to learn about the stars whilst being treated to traditional forms of dance.

Giovanni’s Italian-themed show features an incredible soundtrack, stunning choreography, and beautiful costumes. But be warned… in Italy, it can get hot!

Made in Italy features an outstanding ensemble of some of the best dancers and singers from the ballroom and theatre world. Giovanni’s leading lady is, once again, Lauren Oakley – following on from both Him & Me and This is Me. My mother and I were both mesmerised by Oakley in the latter, and we were not at all surprised when she joined the Strictly cast this year. Whilst she currently only competes in group pieces, it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a competing dancer, with a celebrity partner of her own.

A handful of Made in Italy shows will feature a British Sign Language interpreter, including the Salford show. Giovanni’s last Manchester show, at the Bridgewater Hall, had also featured a BSL interpreter, and Giovanni even did some signing himself. We were sat near a group of deaf folk who looked delighted. Giovanni has learned a lot from Rose, and he’s keen to make dancing more accessible for deaf people.

 

Made in Italy tours the UK from January 18 to May 7, with a stop at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre) on January 27. A limited number of VIP Meet and Greet tickets are available at each venue.

Him & Me, which Giovanni stars in alongside Anton Du Beke, tours the UK for the third time from June 29 to July 30, with two shows at The Lowry (Lyric Theatre) on July 16 (the matinee has a BSL interpreter).

Whilst you wait for the Italian sun to rise in not-so sunny Salford, check out our reviews of Giovanni’s previous shows, Him & Me and This is Me, as well as fellow Strictly Theatre Co. show Burn the Floor (starring Kevin Clifton).

Be sure to check out our other Strictly content too.

Jay Darcy

Jay Darcy

Theatre Editor. Instagram & Twitter: @jaydarcy7. Email: [email protected].

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