Johannes Radebe, Freedom Unleashed review ★★★★★

Johannes Radebe is a mesmerising dancer. He has a very special way of working a crowd. He has a sure feel for the spectacular. And he is a very nice, very loveable man. Together, all this makes his latest personal project, Freedom Unleashed, an irresistible proposition.

Freedom Unleashed comes hot on the heels of his very first show, Freedom, which proved a hit both in London and on tour last year; and if Freedom was a little more structured, possibly a better show, Freedom Unleashed dials up the glitter, the camp and the general feel-good atmosphere.

It’s built, of course, around Radebe’s dancing, his perfect posture, his impossibly mobile waist, his quick feet, and his ability to appear as if he is looking each one of us in the eye even as he dances.

Structurally it comes in two parts: the first is dedicated to the vibrant culture of Africa, starting with a stylised version of the dances of South African Radebe’s Zulu heritage.

Johannes Radebe in Freedom Unleashed. Photo: Danny Kaan
This is followed by a more general section set in an urban nightclub, where the various African influences blend with more generic disco, Rabebe and his 10 backing dancers egged on by two singers, Duane-Lamonte O’Garro and the powerful, compelling South African singer/songwriter Ramelo.

Ramelo in Freedom Unleashed. Photo: Danny Kaan
The second part of the show is inspired by Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC show which gave Radebe the prominence he so well deserves.

This is, however, a slightly more chaotic, loosely shaped section. Radebe’s own dance with a male partner, Barnaby Quarendon, is a reference to his pioneering partnership with John Whaite in the 2021 edition of Strictly, but doesn’t quite have the same impact as his deeply erotic tango in last year's show.

Radebe’s backing group, a multiracial collection of proficient and enthusiastic commercial dancers, offer sexy and acrobatic routines, more at ease, of course, with the demands of Western musical/cabaret than with the specifics of African dance.

In reality though, we sit through their numbers, engaging as they are, just wondering what OTT outfit Rabede is going to come up in next.

Johannes Radebe in Freedom Unleashed. Photo: Danny Kaan
Special mention must go to costume designer Helen Robinson-Tsingos, who’s perfectly attuned to Radebe’s brand of camp spectacular.

At various points in the show Radebe comes on, microphone in hand, to speak to his audience. Surrounded by a set dotted with all manner of positive words (set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter), with ‘Freedom’ foremost, but also 'pride', ‘love’, ‘resilience’, and the ancient African word ‘ubuntu’ that refers to our common humanity, Rabede recalls key moments of his childhood and his career.

He thanks the audience for its support and love, and, twinkle in his eye, engages with more excitable members of the audience who shout out their adoration.

His is a warm, positive message which may or may not resonate with everybody, but Freedom Unleashed is primarily a colourful, glamorous, over-the-top show, where dance takes pride of place led by a truly amazing stage animal.