This is North Devon --STRICTLY Confidential is a song-and-dance extravaganza dreamt up, directed and co-ordinated by Craig Revel Horwood. And while the tell-it-like-it-is Strictly Come Dancing judge doesn't appear in the show, it does star Lisa Riley and professional dancers Artem Chigvintsev, Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite.
The show, which comes to Plymouth Pavilions next week, tells their personal stories and weaves in routines – everything from ballroom to a clog dance – in an evening that Craig hopes will make your spirits soar even if you have to suppress the occasional tear.
"I interviewed all four of them to find out their life stories," says Craig, "the ups and downs of becoming dancers that brought them to the point of being involved in Strictly. I then wrote an autobiographical arc for each of them. I was keen to construct a show that wasn't just a series of demonstration dances."
Lisa's story is about losing her beloved mother, Cath, to cancer just weeks before the Emmerdale favourite started on Strictly.
"Cath's favourite song was In My Daughter's Eyes," says Craig. "Lisa will tell the audience how she coped before going into a dance based on that song. It's absolutely beautiful."
But there will be some fun, too, including a ballet based on Emmerdale in which Lisa appeared as Mandy Dingle.
"Lisa will also be doing the splits eight times a week, which will bring water to my eyes, if not hers. I couldn't believe it when she did it at Wembley. It was amazing. But then so is her singing voice. You wait until you hear her version of All That Jazz."
Similarly, we will learn about Artem's tough time growing up in Russia; about Ian confronting his sexuality; and how Natalie had to beat the odds to follow her dream.
"I want to show how they've battled obstacles with courage and that very often it's through song and dance that they've found a way forward," says Craig.
"I also want to take the audience backstage at Strictly to show the nerves that everyone feels before they come out and dance in front of 14 million people with a camera thrust in their face. I'm trying to reveal the face behind the mask."
The show includes a stunning selection of costumes worn on the TV show.
"I'm never happier than when I've got a smile on my face and I'm given the opportunity to perform," adds Lisa. "I could be working in Asda but I'm not; I'm doing the career I've always wanted. I think Craig spotted that quite early on. But not initially.
"Did people think I was going to be a female John Sergeant? Probably, yes. Before Robin Windsor and I danced our first cha-cha, the bookies' odds on me were 88-1. On the Sunday morning, I was on the front page of every newspaper and my odds had plummeted to 6-1."
Artem will also be sharing a little bit about his life.
"It was while I was performing in Korea in the Burn The Floor show that I was contacted by the producer of Strictly and became one of the professional dancers in the competition in 2010," he says.
"I was so lucky. I was partnered with Kara Tointon. We won the show – and I got the girl. We're still together."
Last word goes to Craig. "This is a show that in some ways isn't so very different from A Chorus Line, currently back in the West End. It's an exploration of the people who make their living through dance. And, I might add, a great night out."
Strictly Confidential is at Plymouth Pavilions on Wednesday, June 12, 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Thursday, June 13, 7.30pm. Tickets: £39.50, £29.50 or £19.50.
Box office: 0845 1461460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com. Reported by This is 13 hours ago.