Sydney is set to host the global premiere of Strictly Ballroom The Musical in March 2014.

Strictly Ballroom, the much-loved Australian film that inspired the world to dance, will come to life on stage in a brand new musical theatre production that will be at home in Sydney from 25 March 2014. 

Secured for Sydney by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell with investment from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, Strictly Ballroom is the inspiring story of a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules to follow his heart.

Co-written by award winning filmmaker and creative luminary Baz Luhrmann, Strictly Ballroom started as a stage play in 1984 before going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time. 

Strictly Ballroom The Musical will feature the original creative team behind the 1992 film, including director and co-writer Baz Luhrmann, set and costume designer Catherine Martin, choreographer John O’Connell and co-writer Craig Pearce. 

Strictly Ballroom The Musical will feature a score created from original classics from the film including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps, and Time After Time, as well as new compositions.

Speaking at a press launch in Sydney this week,Luhrmann said Strictly Ballroom has been an almost30-year journey – from a small student play to his first motion picture and now a full-blown theatrical stage musical.

“I have often marvelled at how this story, born so long ago, has been in my life for so many years and has managed to touch, move, entertain and uplift so many different people from so many different backgrounds,” he said.

“I think the simple truth is that, despite all the sequins, outrageous hairdos and classic Hollywood musical plotting, the simple message that there isn’t only one way to cha cha cha, and that within us all we have the true potential to dance our steps is something that appeals to all of us.” 

Strictly Ballroom The Musical will be produced in Australia by Global Creatures and Bazmark together with the support of Destination New South Wales.