Boy Blue’s Cycles Review | Aviva Studios, Factory International | Manchester
- Frances
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
Bringing mood-boosting moves that will give you second-hand energy, Olivier Award-winning Boy Blue are back at Aviva Studio’s with a masterful presentation of hip-hop exploration.
Composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante and choreographer Kendrick ‘H20’ Sandy previously worked on the opening of Aviva Studios in October 2023. In a production that fused some of Manchester’s finest on and off the stage, the groups Matrix inspired show, Free Your Mind delivered on a collaboration with multiple creatives including Danny Boyle and an AI Alan Turning.
Boy Blue are now back with associate choreographer Jade Hackett to perform Cycles, a dedicated 90-minutes dive into the essence of hip-hop. This raw, communal project celebrates the art on the vast Aviva stage and spotlights the beauty of hip-hop dance and music. The groups free-flowing work is built to lift your spirit as the team conquer the stage with razor-sharp segments of choreography mixed to Mikey J’s irresistible beats.
Cycle’s fluid production opens with a single dancer as she paves the way for the eight-strong ensemble to come together with impeccable synchronicity. The group’s upbeat and entrancing moves then break off to expand on the genre with personalised performances. Moving out of the circular huddle, the squad flaunt a fusion of styles, including breaking and krumping, travelling between the members with a smooth versatility that showcases solos, duets and the strength of unity.
Lee Curran’s lighting design helps shape the show, giving a shadowy, menacing atmosphere that draws the Aviva audience into the pools of spotlit performers. Bringing a sense of urgency, Curran gels the group together with simple transitions that keeps the focus on the power of the performances mesmerising craft and Mikey J’s nostalgic mix.
Boy Blue’s collection is a nonstop, visceral performance that offers an emotional high to any lover of hip hop. Unleashing a mood that radiates through the Aviva studio, Mikey J’s choreography is rich in detail and full of passion. The visual language explored through Cycles collates intricate performances that capture hip-hops enduring ability to showcase the legacy and evolution of the genre.
It is rare to see hip-hop in theatre and Aviva Studios wonderfully communal space opens opportunities for established and new acts to be introduced to wider audiences. After offering a proud presentation of what hip-hop has to offer, a bonus after-show debut from dance company Rubrix keeps the party going in the Aviva Social Hall, adding a 30-minute tribute and introduction to a fresh, young cohort of contemporary dancers. For those who could stay up past 10:30 pm, an all-night DJ set from DJ Sham Steele and DJ Chase ended the absorbing evening of dance.
Tickets are available via the Aviva Studios Link