Sultry belly dancers with hip swaying moves resembling those of pop star Shakira set the pace of this Arabian Nights show which successfully conjured an atmosphere reminiscent of an Egyptian underground nightclub.

While the dashing costumes of the dancers were fantastical and their evocative style admirable, one performance demonstrated enough.

By the fourth display, even my boyfriend was starting to lack enthusiasm.

Yet by the end of the night, the female members of the audience joined in to shake their waists to the sound of the rhythmic bongos and the men who were left in their seats watched with glee.

Overall, the performances were enticing but I was left wanting more from an evening that declared itself to be Arabian, as belly dancers cannot be the region's only cultural claim.

  • Also 16 and 23 May. Call 01273 709709.