IAN WAITE will be returning to his home stage when the UK tour of his new show arrives at Reading’s Hexagon theatre.
The former pupil of the County School of Dance on Southampton Street, Reading, is joined by long-time friend Vincent Simone in The Ballroom Boys – Act Two, on Wednesday, June 8.
The show is inspired by variety performances and comedy duos such as Morecombe and Wise, The Two Ronnies, and Cannon and Ball.
“Our show is variety – we have an amazing West End singer, Amelia Adams, there are group dances, plenty of comedy and audience participation,” Ian says.
“I think a lot of the men who come along to our show with their wives and girlfriends expect to see yet another dance show, and are surprised that it’s so much more.”
Ian and Vincent have known each other for the best part of 30 years. As well as competing against each other on the professional dance circuit, they appeared on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing in the 2000s, alongside celebrity partners including Denise Lewis, Zoe Ball, Rachel Stevens and Edwina Curry.
“I don’t think that Vincent, being Italian, knew about the whole comedy duos thing when we discussed ideas for our first show, but I wanted to have that humour and audience connection as part it,” Ian explains.
“The height difference between Vincent and I is already funny, I’m 6’4″ and he is 5’7″. Also Vincent is a comedy genius.”
The two friends had planned to tour The Ballroom Boys – Act Two in 2020. Despite being rehearsed, they had to delay due to covid restrictions. Ian views this as a positive, because it meant that the pair came to rehearsals for the autumn 2021 leg with a fresh pair of eyes.
“It’s even better now,” he says.
“But when Vincent and I travel around together performing the show, things develop and change all the time.”
Although Ian has a love of touring and performing, being on stage at the Hexagon is always a very special experience for him.
“Family and friends are in the audience, and there is support from the dancing school too,” he says.
“It can be a bit nerve-wracking though, once I was heckled by a dance partner I had when I was a teenager who told me off for leaving her.”
Ian has lived in the Reading and Wokingham area for most of his life. He is proud of his roots and enjoys being close to his family. The school where Ian was first encouraged to dance by his father is now County Dance and owned by his sister Anna Dieguez. His mother lives nearby to the home Ian shares with his husband Drew Merriman and their two dogs. He is also grateful for his career and full of appreciation for life.
“I am so lucky to live in Finchampstead, it’s great for walking our dogs. I thought I would hate being stuck at home during lockdowns, but actually being here was the best place in the world.”
Tickets for The Ballroom Boys – Act Two at the Hexagon start at £32. The show takes place on Wednesday, June 8, at 7.30pm.
For more details, or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com
