Havana Rumba! (SkinnyFest3)

The 'Buena Vista Social Club' haunts this production: a cheer erupts when the nightclub is mentioned and the enthusiasm for Cuban music that made 'Havana Rumba' a sell-out stems from the film. This slick shows lacks the movie's personality: instead of legends performing signature songs, there is a proficient, anonymous band, supple dancers and a linking narrative.

The rambling narrative revolves around the life of a Barrio postman. His memories, and the letters he delivers, become introductions to passionate performances. The dancers upstage the musicians with sensuous acrobatics, choreographing the dramas hidden in the lyrics. The band are relegated to the rear, rarely given space to shine, letting loose only in the finale. The sound is murky, the solos perfunctory, the impact muted: the seated audience have no room to dance. This lively culture is reduced to spectacle.

There is little for the unconverted: fans of percussive rumba will enjoy the rhythms and the theatricality is stunning. In spite of the happy atmosphere generated by the persistent beat, 'Havana Rumba' is too polished and constrained by the venue. (Gareth K Vile)