Magic Mike Live!

After taking Las Vegas by storm, Magic Mike Live has finally rocked up in London. The surprise box office hit Magic Mike and its Xxl sequel was loosely based on Channing Tatum’s early years as a stripper and now the Hollywood star completes the trilogy revealing, “the live show is the third movie.”

Artists perform a mixture of dance and acrobatics (which wouldn’t look out of place at Cirque du Soleil) in front of, behind and dangling above their adoring audience

The theatre at the London’s Hippodrome Casino has undergone a multi-million pound makeover so its intimate setting is reminiscent of the film’s Xquisite strip joint. This is where the magic happens as artists perform a mixture of dance and acrobatics (which wouldn’t look out of place at Cirque du Soleil) in front of, behind and dangling above their adoring audience.

Guests can get up close and personal to the dancers or sit back, indulge in giant cocktails served by cute waiters and sing along to the sexy soundtrack which features the likes of Zayn Malik’s Pillowtalk, 50 Cent’s Candy Shop and If I Ever Fall in Love by Shai.

Looking like a gym-honed version of a United Colours of Benetton advert, the 13 dancers pretty much tick all the boxes in terms of diversity. Washboard abs and smartly choreographed moves aside, first class hype girl Sophie Linder-Lee delivers some excellent one-liners. “I think I need a plumber as I’ve just flooded my basement,” she smirks at one point. The MC doesn’t need to tell the audience twice when she goads them with “You’re allowed to touch, it’s not Madame Tussauds!”

The boys work the room like well-mannered ushers at church; politely approaching guests and making everyone feel special.

When handsome Aaron spins me around for a slow dance to Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud, he’s such a gent it would be rude to say no. Time stands still. He’s asking if I’m having a good time and thanks me for coming (no pun intended!)

The feverish spectacle draws to a close as Ginuwine’s raunchy R&B hit Pony pumps loudly out of the speakers and the Adonis-like performers hit the stage for the last time.

The boys work the room like well-mannered ushers at church; politely approaching guests and making everyone feel special.

The atmosphere is palpable and there’s a wonderful sense of camaraderie as those who walked in as strangers leave more like friends after swapping knowing looks and banter throughout the 90-minute immersive performance.

With two shows per night, there’s no denying these artists are akin to athletes giving 100 per cent each and every time.

Magic Mike Live is more than just a strip show. It’s a well-oiled, super slick production with stunning choreography, cheeky lap dances and good old-fashioned fun courtesy of the hottest eye candy in the West End!