Diversity @ New Theatre, Oxford (From Oxford Mail)

Diversity @ New Theatre, Oxford

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EVER since dance phenomenon Diversity backflipped onto our screens in last year’s Britain’s Got Talent, the 11 boys from east London and Essex have been all over the country with their act.

And so, when the group came to Oxford’s New Theatre on April 5, how could I resist checking out the 'Diversitoys' Tour?

After a dreary start of uninspiring support acts Aggro Santos and Mini Diva, Diversity’s enthusiastic entrance onto the stage was very welcome.

Named the Diversatoys, the show revolves around the story of 11 toys coming to life to try to find secret plans from a rival toymaker.

A simple backdrop of a screen is used to show the boys exploring the factory through the thick of night.

Apart from the plot being tenuous, if not a little dull, it also took away from much of the raw dancing talent that won the group the title of champions on the national talent contest.

The routines were faultless, but for me there just was not enough of them.

Impressive moves and acrobatics were teamed with perfect timing for an effortless and professional performance.

This was often followed by running around the stage, in a more unnatural ploy to keep the plot moving.

During costume changes, a much inferior female dance troupe were left to the stage to perform more cheerleader moves than the awe-inspiring stuff of Diversity.

However, youngest members Mitchell and Perry certainly stole the show.

With comic timing to perfection, the boys played off each other brilliantly and shone throughout a Michael Jackson mash-up.

When the group performed together, the routines were flawless and the moves brilliant. But, there was just too much infilling, hinting at the relative inexperience of the group.

I can always hear the voice of Simon Cowell whenever talent is critiqued, but this is my synopsis.

Yes these boys certainly have talent.

But enough to fill an hour-long show? Maybe not.