The New Theatre Cardiff was full to the rafters last night for the opening performance of Diversity’s SOUL tour, and from the moment the lights dropped there was a sense that this was going to be more than just another dance show. The audience ranged from excitable children to long time fans who have followed the group since their early television days, and there was a shared anticipation that something special was about to unfold.
DIVERSITY have always been known for precision and ambition, but SOUL feels like a step forward in maturity and storytelling. The routines are incredibly polished. Every arm placement, every lift, every ripple through the ensemble is sharp without ever looking mechanical. That is what stands out most. The technical control is undeniable, yet the performances never feel cold. Instead, there is warmth running through even the most complex sequences.
ASHLEY BANJO remains the emotional anchor of the evening. He doesn’t just lead from the front physically, he guides the narrative. As he explains to the audience, the idea for SOUL grew from a simple but worrying observation about the way we live now. Our lives are increasingly filtered through screens. We are constantly connected, yet often disconnected from each other. Rather than lecture, he builds this concern into the structure of the show.
Threaded throughout the performance is a powerful filmed sequence. In it, Ashley meets a man called George at a train station. Their conversations unfold in fragments across the evening, projected onto a large screen above the stage. George becomes a sounding board, asking the kind of questions we rarely stop to consider. Are we losing something essential in our rush to digitise everything. What happens if convenience replaces closeness. And most importantly, what becomes of love and togetherness in an AI shaped world.
The film could easily have overwhelmed the dancing, but it never does. Instead, it deepens it. Each routine reflects the themes raised on screen. At one point, the dancers move in perfect unison while staring down at imaginary phones in their hands. It’s clever and slightly uncomfortable. Later, a duet strips everything back, showing two people reaching for each other in the simplest, most human way. The contrast between those moments says more than any speech could.
The choreography throughout the show is layered and inventive. Large ensemble pieces burst with energy, bodies weaving and colliding in ways that feel both chaotic and controlled. Then the mood shifts and we are given something intimate and still. The younger members of the troupe bring infectious enthusiasm, while the more experienced performers offer depth and confidence. Together they form a company that feels tight knit and completely in sync.
What makes SOUL particularly impressive is the balance of tone. Yes, it is emotional. By the final act, there were plenty of people in the theatre quietly wiping away a tear. You could hear the sniffles in the darker moments. But it’s never relentlessly heavy. There’s plenty of humour woven in. One sequence playfully mocks our obsession with social media trends, drawing big laughs from the crowd. Another moment has Ashley poking fun at himself, grounding the show in self awareness.
Ashley told the audience he never set out to create a sad show. That honesty is part of the evening’s charm. The sadness that surfaces does so naturally, because it speaks to something many of us recognise. We’ve all sat in rooms where everyone is physically present but mentally somewhere else. We have all chosen a quick message over a proper conversation. SOUL does not judge. It simply holds up a mirror.
Technically, the production is slick without feeling overblown. Lighting plays a crucial role in shifting the mood from vibrant to reflective. The soundtrack moves confidently between high energy tracks and softer, more contemplative pieces, allowing the dancers to explore different textures and styles. Street dance foundations are still at the heart of Diversity’s identity, but there are contemporary influences here too, adding fluidity and emotional range.
One of the most striking aspects of the night is how invested the audience becomes in the story. This is not passive viewing. You can sense people leaning forward, following the thread of the film, connecting the dots between screen and stage. When the final scenes play out and the message lands, there is a moment of stillness before the applause erupts. It’s the kind of reaction that comes from being genuinely moved rather than simply entertained.
And yet, make no mistake, it is hugely entertaining. The applause after some of the larger group numbers was immediate and loud. The skill on display is undeniable. Years of experience show in the crisp transitions and the confidence with which the dancers command the space. There are gasps at the more daring lifts and spins, and cheers when familiar faces step forward for standout moments.
By the end of the performance, the message of SOUL feels clear without being forced. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital shortcuts, the most valuable thing we have is still each other. Love, friendship, family, community. Those connections are fragile if neglected, but powerful when nurtured.
Walking out into the Cardiff night, you could see people reaching for their phones. Not to scroll mindlessly, but to send a message. To say I love you. To check in. To reconnect. If a dance show can inspire that kind of response, it is doing something right.
SOUL is powerful, thoughtful and at times very funny. More importantly, it feels sincere. Diversity have not just delivered another high energy spectacle. They have created a show with heart. If you have the chance to see it at the New Theatre Cardiff before it closes on Saturday, take it. Bring your family, bring your friends, and be prepared to feel something.
It’s a breathtaking reminder that in a world of screens, it’s connection that truly moves us.
DIVERSITY are at the New Theatre this evening at 7:45pm and Saturday 2:30pm, although the Saturday show is now completely sold out. Tonight is limited availability, in fact we could only see a very small handful of seatsPress Night so you’ll need to be quick. For details and tickets, go HERE.
