The performance of Romeo and Juliet brought to Milton Keynes Theatre by Matthew Bourne is a masterpiece of theatre.
The nine-time Olivier Award winner and Tony Award winner for best choreographer and best director of a musical has created a reworking of the classic story that is thought-provoking and emotionally intense.
Paris Fitzpatrick as Romeo and Cordelia Braithwaite as Juliet give outstanding performances, as does the rest of the cast.
The story of the young lovers is familiar, but this version pushes the boundaries and brings a modern twist with its themes of mental health, physical, sexual, and homophobic abuse, gender identity, prejudice, and knife crime. The bleak setting of a Victorian-style institution, with metal stairs and beds, adds to the intense atmosphere. The love between the young people, despite their incarceration, is sensual and beautiful.
The performance is a visual masterpiece, supported by the powerful score of Prokofiev, imaginatively modified by Terri Davies. The contrast between the spine-chilling, fragmented movements and the beautiful and moving love-making duet is truly remarkable.
I had no idea what to expect, but this performance exceeded all my expectations. It took dance to another level and left me overwhelmed, buzzing, and full of adrenaline. Matthew Bourne is an absolute visionary and master of choreography. I highly recommend seeing this performance to fully appreciate its power.
You can still catch this superb performance which runs until Saturday 9th September. Tickets are available online.
Arts reviewer – Shahnaz (Shiny) Hussain
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