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An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Sarah Frater's rating
Reader rating
Description: Performances of dance and music synonymous with Cuba including jazz, rumba, salsa and mambo.
Trains: Tube: Holborn/Temple 
Phone: 0844412 4322
Website: www.sadlerswells.com
Extra info: Food, Pub
Salsa groove: the enthusiasm of the cast overcomes any reservations about the show
Every now and then a dance show comes along that has such runaway enthusiasm that you bin the criticism and merrily rave to anyone who will listen. Havana Rakatan is such a show. There are reservations, such as over-long numbers and unclear narrative, and there will always be those who pour scorn by claiming Cuba peaked with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Maybe it did, maybe it didn’t but no one minds when Rakatan’s 13 dancers have such feel-good appeal and its nine musicians show such sass. Trumpeter Alberto Pellicer is Mr Refrigerator, while Geidy Chapman is a sight to behold as she shimmy-shakes her magnicent bosom and coaxes a reserved audience into the salsa groove. Watching her tip-toe with her dapper co-singer Michel is even better – his hand on her plumptious curves is a million blessed miles from the stick models and their scruffy boyfriends that we’re supposed to find appealing.
Havana Rakatan is the work of Nilda Guerra, the young choreographer-director whose show features broad brush strokes of Cuban dance, from its Afro-Hispanic heritage to its own Chan Chan. These sashay unashamedly along, with more recent variants on the island’s moves all part of the popular mix. Purists will pick at the costumes (many), acting (obvious) and the style and sound which are strictly bongos, turbans and tassels. There’s even a balletic scene, which you don’t expect, except it’s another dance form at which the Cubans excel.
In London for its third visit, the show is like party dancing onto which we willingly project. It’s as if you’re watching yourself having a really fun time. Rakatan shows little taste for more serious issues, although enjoying yourself is serious enough.
Until 23 May. Information: 0844 412 4300. www.sadlerswells.com.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Offer: Havana Rakatan tickets - Peacock Theatre - No booking fee*
Price: £35.00
Details: Experience the authentic heart and soul of Havana - right here in London! ...more
* Online booking only
Cuba is affordable Caribbean paradise, embrace white sandy beaches,
enchanting colonial atmosphere and hot Salsa music.
Explore Netssa.com site and discover unspoiled beaches and tourists favorite spots.
Driving is an excellent way to discover charm of the Cuban islands.
Cuba is mix of music, mojitos, best of cigars, classic cars, vibrant nightlife and latin culture.
- Netssa, Cuba
Havana Rakatan is the maximum,they show us the cuban taste and their way of dancing,and at the same time with a deep concept of the clasic dance taking for their popular rythems,the band in life Turquino,uf,what a beautiful sound they have,his trumpet player is one of the best i have ever seen in life,in one word,WOOOW,VIVA CUBA,VIVA HAVANA RAKATAN.
- Sasha, Lyon,France
Cuba islands are pristine and exotic, hiding many secrets, warm climate, and vibrant nightlife. Cuban culture is very unique in Latin America.
Netssa.com is a unique Internet site devoted to Cuba, it covers all Cuban popular destinations and attractions, as well culture information and events included Cuban fashion.
Offer plenty of historic info about Old Havana, also all Varadero attractions. The site future extensive info about diving centers all over the Cuba.
Netssa present plenty of striking photos of Cuba, included latest
Photography Exhibition organized by Netssa, titled "Our Natural World" featuring Cuban and Canadian Nature.
So if you are planning to visit Cuba, or are just looking for information about Cuba you should check out www.Netssa.com
- Netssa, Cuba
This show was so bright and energetic last night, especially the Flamenco/Afro element, it brought back so many fond memories of my last holiday to Cuba & it left me feeling exhausted just watching it! My only regret reading your review was that you have obviously used an old photograph that was from their previous London outing (a totally different show) and it sadly misses the rich, warm Cuban colours and vibrancy of this wonderful show.
- Georgina Howard, East Grinstead
