X Factor winner and Strictly favourite to star in Strictly Cabaret X at New Theatre Royal, Lincoln
The return of a popular cabaret-style show is set to feature some TV talent show favourites.
The New Theatre Royal Lincoln is set to bring back Strictly Cabaret X, from September 4 to 8, featuring an X Factor winner and Strictly Come Dancing favourite.
Strictly Cabaret X, an in-house production, was originally staged in 2021 and was the first production to play at the theatre following the covid pandemic lockdowns.
The production was socially distanced, but still proved a huge hit with audiences and reviewers alike. Following its success, the theatre has decided to bring an updated version of the production to the stage, along with a new cast.
The production will feature platinum selling artist Ben Haenow, who shot to fame after winning The X Factor in 2014.
Following his triumph on the show he secured a Christmas No.1 spot in the UK Singles Chart with Something I Need, which was followed by another Top 40 hit, Second Hand Heart, a duet performed with Kelly Clarkson.
Ben said: “I’m really looking forward to being part of the show at the New Theatre Royal. I’ll be sharing the stage with some very talented performers, both singers and dancers, so it’s going to be a great show.”
He will be joined by Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite, James Jordan.
James, who danced professionally alongside his wife Ola, spent eight years on the BBC hit production, notably finishing runner-up with his celebrity dance partner Denise van Outen in 2012. Away from Strictly, James has also appeared on other popular TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Coach Trip, and Dancing On Ice, where he was crowned champion in 2019.
Ahead of his New Theatre Royal Lincoln debut, James said: “I’m so excited to be heading to Lincoln and dusting off my dance shoes for an exciting new show.”
They will be on stage with two powerhouse vocalists, Zoe Hanna May and Lucy Kane, who have both appeared on TV’s The Voice, securing spots on Team Tom.
They are also no strangers to the New Theatre Royal Lincoln stage after starring in Strictly Cabaret X (2021) and The Variety Show (2022). Audiences will also recognise Zoe from previous New Theatre Royal pantomimes Robin Hood (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2021), where she featured as Maid Marian and Belle, respectively.
The principal cast will also be joined by five professional ballroom, Latin, and commercial dancers, who will be announced soon.
Ahead of the production, producer and director, and the New Theatre Royal’s artistic director, Natalie Hayes-Cowley said: “We cannot wait to bring Strictly Cabaret X back to the stage.
“It’s going to be a spectacular, cabaret-style show with some incredible dance numbers, featuring a wide range of fusion choreography, accompanied by some amazing vocalists.
“We’re really excited to bring that Strictly glamour and X Factor magic back to Lincoln.
“Strictly Cabaret X is also one of our in-house productions. These are vital to the survival of Lincoln’s treasured theatre because the venue keeps the ticket revenue raised, which is then re-invested, opposed to touring productions where the theatre only sees between 15% to 20% of ticket sales. So, anyone who does buy a ticket for Strictly Cabaret X is contributing to keeping the theatre’s doors open.”
