Preview: Johannes Radebe: Freedom Unleashed, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

Preview: Johannes Radebe: Freedom Unleashed, Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

TV dancing sensation and international champion, Johannes Radebe, is thrilled to be presenting a brand-new production after the phenomenal success of his debut sell-out UK tour earlier this year.

Johannes Radebe: Freedom Unleashed will visit Mayflower Theatre, Southampton on Sunday 2 April,  joined by a diverse, world-class cast of talented dancers and singers.

Performing to a mix of African rhythms and huge party anthems – with a touch of ballroom magic, the show is a jubilant celebration of culture, passion, and freedom.

Born in the township Zamdela Sasolburg, South Africa, Johannes started dancing when he was seven, fascinated by the discipline and the glamour of Ballroom and Latin.

Over the next 13 years, Johannes competed in local competitions, climbing up the Latin ranks with top honours, and eventually adding Ballroom and other dance styles, such as African Contemporary and Jazz.

He became a finalist at national dance competitions and received an invitation to compete internationally in St Petersburg, Russia.

At the age of 21, Johannes left South Africa to work on the internationally renowned Italian cruise liner Costa. Persistence and experience saw this young, vibrant South African given more responsibilities including choreographing, teaching new dancers, and then eventually being promoted to dance captain. In 2018, he was invited to join the debut season of the international hit show, Dancing With The Stars, in South Africa.

Johannes toured the world in the international dance show, Burn The Floor, before being headhunted by Strictly Come Dancing – he moved to the UK to dance on the flagship BBC show.

In his second series, he was partnered with Catherine Tyldesley and danced the first same-sex routine with fellow Strictly star, Graziano Di Prima.

In 2022, he and his celebrity partner, John Waite, made history by being the first all-male partnership to compete on the show. The pair made it to the final and recently won the British LGBT Award for Media Moment of the Year. Johannes will return to the ballroom for his fifth series in September.

Tickets for Johannes Radebe: Freedom Unleashed (Sunday 2 April) will be on sale soon at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.

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