Following on from the success of Midnight Tango, Dance ‘Til Dawn, and The Last Tango, Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace bring their latest offering to Manchester with the much anticipated Tango Moderno.

Sadly we learn at the very start of the show that due to injury Vincent will be unable to join us tonight but of course the show must go on so we have not one but two additional dancers taking his place in the form of Italian pro Pasquale La Rocca and Argentine Tango expert Leonel Di Cocco.

Fusing elements of Latin, Ballroom and Contemporary Flavia and partner dance their way through modern day scenes featuring the ‘unlucky in love’ spreading their fairy dust Cupid style allowing love to blossom. Flavia as always is sublime, she sizzles and scorches her way through each routine, all eyes undoubtedly fixed on her every time she takes to the stage, she truly is the most beautiful of dancers. Both Pasquale La Rocca and Leonel Di Cocco do a superb job of filling Vincent’s shoes, each dances exquisitely, both are strong, sharp and commanding.

The narrative however (yes you could argue that’s not what the audience are here for) is clunky and lacks any depth. Singer Tom Parsons tries his best to give the production pace with clever lyrical rhyme between songs which he delivers with style but each piece feels very disconnected. Accompanying singer Tom Parsons is singer/dancer Rebecca Lisewski, who too delivers some stunning vocals. Special mention also goes to violinist Oliver Lewis who gives a note perfect performance. The dancers who make up the Company work hard delivering some intricate and imaginative routines but at times often feel cluttered as the set takes up a large part of the stage, reducing the amount of available floor space.

As this is a Tango Moderno modern themes are introduced in the form of internet dating, selfies and smartphones, does this work? In parts, yes, there’s a really inventive ‘Tinder themed’ dating routine where dancer are swiped out of frame and unsuccessful dates are portrayed hilariously with some great character acting but on the whole and judging from the audience reaction when Flavia and partner deliver a traditional and absolutely faultless Argentine Tango during the finale it is clear what the audience came for. While there is absolutely a place for hip hop and more modern themes can you really improve on the classic when that is exactly what your audience loves you for? What we really wanted was some good old razzamataz, big band show stoppers that sizzled and wowed, that sent us away with that warm fuzzy feeling, ready to dig out our sequin gowns. When your average audience member (me included) would rather tango than watch Towie, it’s better to leave the tinder and the texting at home.

Tango Moderno on at the Opera House until Saturday 21^st November www.atgtickets.com/venues/opera-house-manchester/shows/tango-moderno