Diversity: Soul | Liverpool Empire

Diversity first captured the nation’s attention in 2009 when they won Britain’s Got Talent, and they’ve been setting the dance world alight ever since. In the years following their victory, the group has embarked on countless tours, building a reputation for high-energy performances and creative stage productions.

Their latest tour, Soul, promises another spectacular chapter in their journey. But a Diversity show is rarely just about dance. Their productions usually blend choreography with theatre, storytelling, and powerful visuals to create something far more immersive than a typical dance performance. So the question is: will Soul deliver the same unforgettable experience audiences have come to expect? 

Diversity’s twelfth tour dives into what it really means to be human in a world that’s changing faster than we can keep up with. It opens with a heartfelt and surprisingly personal message from troupe leader Ashley Banjo, who reflects on the rapid rise of computers and AI and how the idea for this show first sparked during their Supernova tour a few years back. From there, the audience are pulled straight into the theme. 

We’re challenged to decide whether the videos before us are real or AI-generated. It quickly becomes clear just how blurred that line has become. Then comes a moment of humour that cuts through the uncertainty: a video of Jordan Banjo skydiving, with Ashley cheekily confirming it’s completely real “as real as my brother’s teeth!” It’s a light-hearted twist that grounds the concept and reminds us not to take everything quite so seriously, even in a world where reality itself feels up for debate.

The show bursts into life with an electrifying opening sequence, as the group takes on a remixed version of Bad by Michael Jackson, a bold, high-energy number that perfectly sets the tone while staying true to the tour’s soulful core. From there, the pace shifts into something more playful and nostalgic. The dancers transport us back to a time of flip phones, screeching dial-up modems and retro gaming, a sequence packed with clever choreography and knowing nods to the past. It’s a joy to watch, even if younger audience members may find it less relatable. For others, it feels less like history and more like a fond (and not-so-distant) memory.

While the production’s overarching message leans into the ever-relevant theme of computers and AI, what truly gives the piece its emotional weight is the narrative thread woven through its striking video design. This is further enhanced by the work of lighting designer Peter Barnes, whose bold, atmospheric shifts elevate key moments and add a dramatic intensity to the performance. At its heart is a chance encounter - Banjo meets a stranger, George, in a railway station. What begins as a fleeting moment unfolds into a deeply human connection, as the two spend the day together, their growing bond mirrored through a series of routines inspired by the story playing out on screen.

George emerges as a particularly touching figure. In one of the production’s most poignant moments, he reflects on his late wife, recounting how they met during their time in the army. This memory is brought vividly to life through a dynamic, military-inspired number from the company. At times, the narrative leans heavily on its video elements, occasionally pulling focus from the live choreography. 

The second act opens with a tonal shift, as Banjo shares his pride in being a parent, speaking warmly about how technology allows us to capture and preserve the fleeting moments of our lives. This sentiment cleverly bridges into one of the show’s standout sequences - The Wonderful World of Rose. Here, the production leans fully into theatricality and playfulness, with Banjo delighting the audience by channelling his inner Glinda while Perri transforms into Elphaba. The result is a brilliantly executed segment, brimming with humour and a knowing nod to musical theatre fans. In balancing its digital themes with such personal, character-driven storytelling, the piece never loses sight of what matters most: connections and the stories we choose to share.

It would be easy to focus solely on the group’s undeniable talent after 12 tours; their precision and charisma are a given, and the loyalty of their fanbase shows no sign of fading. But what makes their productions truly remarkable is their ability to blend dance with storytelling and spectacle.

Each tour is crafted as an experience, one that lingers well beyond the final curtain. They have a rare ability to evoke genuine emotion, creating moments of connection that feel both personal and universal. The Soul Tour is no exception, serving as a powerful reminder to cherish and savour the depth of human relationships in an increasingly disconnected world.

At the centre of it all is Banjo, whose creative vision feels nothing short of inspired. Writing, directing, and choreographing the piece, he masterfully balances intimacy with spectacle, delivering quiet, heartfelt moments alongside production numbers that wouldn’t look out of place on a vast arena stage. It’s a moving, crowd-pleasing production that reminds us why Diversity continues to resonate across all ages.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by David Munn