Lord of the dance

THIS series has already been a big hit in the States, leading to a lot of online buzz, awards talk and the creation of many a gif. And now we get to see what the fuss is about.

The Fosse/Verdon of the title are Bob Fosse, legendary film and theatre director and choreographer, and Gwen Verdon, talented and renowned Broadway performer. Between them they racked up Oscars, Emmys and Tonys galore.

They also had two decades of marriage, but – whilst they might have been hugely successful collaborators on film and on stage – behind the scenes they were often anything but.

The personal and the professional didn’t always sit well together for this showbiz couple, thanks in no small part to Bob’s infidelity, and fondness for booze and pills.

But there was also love, mutual respect and creative connection which saw them bring out the best in each other. Michelle Williams gives a breathtaking performance as Gwen, and Sam Rockwell almost matches her as Bob.

The action starts in 1966 and the show plays out over several decades. But it doesn’t follow a chronological timeline, and often the only clue as to where we are is the presence or absence of prosthetics and wigs. It means it can be confusing to know if we’re in a moment where their marriage is happy, whether someone’s successful or out of work.

But it’s definitely worth sticking with for Williams, and for the fantastic Fosse choreography on display in some brilliant recreated musical scenes.

The series is full of brilliantly recreated musical numbers Sam Rockwell, above, is excellent as choreographer and director Bob Fosse but it is Michelle Williams, below, who steals the show as his wife Gwen Verdon