From the get go, Dean, Don’t Dance! is a beautifully earnest work that will surely entertain and warm the heart of even the most hardened theatre goer.
Dean has a confession, he can’t dance, but he longs to. He yearns to move freely and unencumbered – feeling the rhythm as he traverses the floor. However, sadly, dance is not a skill that Dean poses. He does in fact poses a litany of other skills that he gleefully shares throughout the work.
This multi-faceted work is an absolute treat, with audiences guided through the space by Charley Allanah’s audio description and Auslan Interpreter Yasmin Dandachi, both of whom are masterfully weaved into the story. Soon Dean takes to the stage, with such an engaging presence that the audience was transfixed for the full 50 minutes.
Dean Nash is top notch talent – charming, vulnerable, optimistic and forthright, taking moments from his life and perfectly retelling them through laser sharp wit and honestly. Not content with being a supreme storyteller, Dean is also a fantastic lyricist, piano player and vocalist – filling the space with soaring musical numbers that brought a tear to the eye and smile to the face.
Cassidy McDermott-Smith’ choreography is a sumptuous blend of haunting and bliss – a giddy back and forth that wonderfully highlights with emotive journey of the work. Caity Cowan’s lighting is simply yet poignant – guiding the focus and ensuring that each moment is framed with unique intent and care.
Dean, Don’t Dance! is not just a must see, it is a welcome relief from the homogenized works that are currently found on stages and further highlights the need for audiences to have opportunities to see a work that galvanizes as well as entertains.
Dean, Don’t Dance!
The Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo
Season continues to 25 January 2026
Information and Bookings: www.oldfitztheatre.com.au
Image: Dean Nash (supplied)
Review: Gavin Roach