Review: Stories – RB Dance Company’s slick tap show returns to London

After nearly a decade in the making, RB Dance Company's acclaimed tap dance production 'Stories' has resumed its run at London’s Peacock Theatre, marking a notable return since its UK debut in late 2019. The show, directed, choreographed, and musically composed by company founder Romain Rachline Borgeaud, presents a tightly synchronized ensemble of ten dancers delivering a performance that reflects years of refinement and touring experience.

Borgeaud, whose background includes training at prestigious institutions such as the Rosella Hightower Dance School in Cannes and the Alvin Ailey School in New York, brings a multifaceted vision to 'Stories.' His extensive career in musical theatre, featuring roles in classics like 'A Chorus Line' and 'Singin’ in the Rain,' informs the production’s theatrical momentum and polished pacing. Since establishing RB Dance Company in 2018, he has skillfully integrated his diverse talents, crafting a show that balances choreography, music, direction, and libretto.

The narrative framework of 'Stories' centers on a young celebrity named Icarus (portrayed by Thiméo Garin), who navigates the pressures exerted by his controlling director, Stan (Jérôme Louis). Though the storyline remains deliberately ambiguous and sparsely outlined in the programme, key scenes shift fluidly through varied settings—a newspaper office, a street altercation, and a train journey—enabled by Federica Mugnai’s innovative mobile set design. This arrangement allows seamless transitions that maintain the show’s brisk tempo.

Costume design by Margaux Ponsard adds visual intrigue, notably through the striking red dress worn by the lead female character, Elle. This piece complements Sandra Pericou-Habaillou’s evocative portrayal, which brings a lyrical component of Borgeaud’s composition to life with a blend of sensuality and intensity. Geoffrey Goutorbe’s role as Le Baron introduces a shadowy, enigmatic presence that deepens the theatrical layers of the performance.

Musically, 'Stories' features an original score by Borgeaud that underpins the choreography's rhythmic drive. However, the tap sounds from the dancers’ feet are largely overshadowed by the recorded soundtrack, somewhat diminishing the prominence of tap as an aural element. Despite this, the performers’ vocal harmonies and physical precision suggest a high level of percussive skill.

The production duration of just over an hour ensures a concise experience that sustains audience engagement without overstaying its welcome. The energetic closing sequence, accompanied by the pulsating rhythms of Borgeaud’s music, leaves spectators with a lively, memorable finale.

'RB Dance Company’s 'Stories' is currently playing at the Peacock Theatre until 31 October, with a subsequent UK tour planned. Venues include Royal & Derngate in Northampton, Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth, Bradford Live, King’s Theatre in Edinburgh, and Hall for Cornwall in Truro, scheduled throughout early to mid-November.

This compelling tap dance work reflects Borgeaud’s deep-rooted expertise in musical theatre and his capacity to synthesize multiple artistic disciplines into a cohesive stage production. Although the storyline resists straightforward interpretation, the show's fluid choreography, inventive staging, and strong ensemble work collectively underscore its theatrical vitality.

Graham Watts, a seasoned dance critic and freelance writer with contributions to multiple international publications, provides this detailed account for gramilano.com, highlighting the significance of 'Stories' within the contemporary dance landscape and its successful re-engagement with London audiences.