Choreographer Matthew Bourne has always surprised audiences with his original interpretations of classic ballets. We’ve had a Swan Lake with an all-male corps de ballet, Cinderella set against the backdrop of World War Two and a Dracula-inspired Sleeping Beauty.
Now he has turned his talents to Romeo and Juliet, transporting the story to an institution for young people (though you are never sure whether it is some sort of mental hospital or an offenders’ institute).
The familiar tale, which has been reinvented so many times, focuses on youth. The company makes a point of nurturing young talent and this production uses a changing cast of teenagers from across the country for some of the roles.
Prokofiev’s dramatic score has also been reworked for a smaller ensemble of 15 players. The sheer power of a full orchestra is inevitably lost, but now there is a more intimate rendition of the moving music which is perfectly suited to the smaller venues the production will be touring. The score has been chopped around a little, so pieces are not played in the order audiences will be used to, but it nevertheless works.
The company dances its youthful little heart out in the big set pieces, and the oppressive, dehumanising atmosphere of the institution is conveyed by Lez Brotherston’s bleak set of white tiles and chilling, prison-like bars.
The intensity, thrill and overwhelming physical exuberance of first love is perfectly captured in Bourne’s choreography. Cordelia Braithwaite puts in a powerhouse turn as Juliet, terrified by the brutish guard Tybalt (Dan Wright) but joyously passionate in her pas de deux with Romeo (Paris Fitzpatrick), who began with a puppy-dog boyishness that turned to love and then hopeless despair as the tale unfolded.
Bourne does take a few liberties with the story, but above all, this is a Romeo and Juliet which will break your heart. For those who have never seen a dance production, this just might win you over.
Matthew Bourne's New Adventures will be performing Romeo and Juliet at Sadler's Wells until 31 August and on national tour until October 12
