Review: MATTHEW BOURNE’S ROMEO + JULIET, Sadler’s Wells
Romeo + Juliet is a story that everyone knows...especially the ending. Matthew Bourne's production recognises this as we open on the two star-crossed lovers dead and bloodied. We are quickly whisked away to the elusive Verona Institute and the story begins but not quite as we know it.
This story of forbidden young love has been reimagined multiple times but never in an environment such as this. Bourne has been bold, and this production is stripped back, compared to the extravagant set and costumes of other New Adventures shows and it is extremely refreshing. The Verona Institute’s purpose is left open for us to interpret but this regimented environment which represses youth creates a sexual tension and the electricity of emotions is palpable.
There are also some updates to the characters. Tybalt becomes a terrifying guard and Friar Lawrence is now Reverend Bernadette. Mercutio (Ben Brown) and Balthasar (Jackson Fisch) are lovers, and the death of a previously expendable character becomes heartbreaking.
Cordelia Braithwaite and Paris Fitzpatrick are exquisite as the title pair, both give sensitive and intimate performances. Romeo + Juliet is very much an ensemble piece too and there is so much talent on stage. Danny Reubens as Tybalt is an imposing figure dressed in black and you can feel the audience hold their breath when he is on stage. Lez Brotherston's white-tiled prison like set and the 'inmates' all-white costumes give the dancers space to shine, and they most certainly do.
This production was first performed in 2019 when local dancers from each tour city joined the company. It is so lovely to see in the programme that a number of these dancers have now joined New Adventures full-time. You cannot fault the way Matthew Bourne nurtures young dancers and Romeo + Juliet is the perfect vehicle to highlight the strengths of youth and vitality.
Unsurprisingly Bourne’s choreography is full of power and edge especially when set to the classic music of Prokofiev which has been reorchestrated by Terry Davies. The Dance of the Knights now has an unnerving undertone to contrast the beautiful and clever choreography.
Romeo + Juliet is the perfect combination of classical and contemporary and Bourne’s reimagining is one not to miss.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet plays at Sadler’s Wells until 2 September, with tickets available here:
📸 Johan Persson