Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet, Sadler's Wells Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until August 31, 2019


The genius of Matthew Bourne strikes again with this brilliant re-working of Romeo and Juliet. He creates his own version of the plot and uses much of Prokofiev's wonderful score, not necessarily in the usual order but with new orchestrations which retain its power. The majority of the cast look almost too young to be able to cope with the intricate choreography, but they rise magnificently to the task. The glorious pas-de-deux for the lovers is wonderfully erotic. On the occasion we saw it, it was brilliantly danced by Paris Fitzpatrick and Cordelia Braithwate. Also impressive was Dan Wright's Tybalt who becomes a truly evil character and refuses to die. As with many of Bourne's works there are elements of homosexuality, but they are very delicately handled. Bourne's regular designer, Lez Brotherston, creates a simple but stunning set where we are in a prison-like institution; the clinical white costumes are often cleverly reduced to simple underwear to allow ease of movement. The entire ballet is a delight. It is both thrilling and tragic, and we loved every moment of it.

Reviewed by D.S.J.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until August 31, 2019
Tue - Sat: 7:30 pm & Sun: 7 pm
Thu, Sat & Sun matinees: various times
Sadler's Wells Theatre
Nearest station: Angel
Map & Location: Rosebery Ave, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4TN, UK

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