Matthew Bourne’s ROMEO AND JUILET

Shakespeare's timeless story of forbidden love is one of the greatest love stories of all time.

Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet first dazzled audiences in 2019. It now joins the New Adventures repertoire alongside Bourne’s other world-renowned dance theatre productions.

It's the tale of two star-crossed lovers who fall deeply and swiftly for one another but are forbidden to be together. They're confined against their will by a society that seeks to divide them, but the young lovers will risk everything to be together.

The production is set in the not-too-distant future although this is not disclosed. In the confines of an indeterminate institution for young adults, the characters live out their days with military precision, performing a series of daily regimented routines. This version sees Juliet as a troubled patient, whilst Romeo is enrolled by his parents, assumingly for his errant ways. They inevitably meet one another, and many plot twists ensue before they both meet their fates.

The choreography is mesmerising to watch, a masterclass in how to captivate the audience. The chemistry between Romeo (played by Paris Fitzpatrick) and Juliet (Cordelia Braithwaite) during their dance pieces is palpable. Their passion for each other is fully expressed during a wonderful duet, where their bodies barely break contact. This is what Bourne does so well. He fuses elements of contemporary, musical theatre, and ballet training to create something unique. His storytelling using the body is exquisite and manages to convey every emotion.

Directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, collaborating with the New Adventures Artistic team; Etta Murfitt (Associate Artistic Director), Lez Brotherston (Set and Costume design), Paule Constable (Lighting Design), Paul Groothuis (Sound Design) and Arielle Smith (Associate Choreographer) with Terry Davies’ thrillingly fresh orchestrations of Prokofiev’s dynamic score.

I was fortunate enough to stay for the Q and A with Matthew Bourne himself. He spoke about the importance of the show and how, since it's a show about young people, he wanted to represent them. This is evident throughout the show, from the young cast themselves to representations of sexuality, and modern challenges faced by young people today. He also spoke on the moment when Romeo and Juliet barely break contact, saying “We tried to create the longest kiss in dance history.”

This is a beautiful show and, as with much of Matthew Bourne's work, breaks the mould of what dance can be. I would implore anyone to go and see this beautiful piece.

Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet continues at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 21st October 2023. Tickets are available at the following link https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/matthew-bournes-romeo-and-juliet/

Note: The production contains loud sound effects including a gunshot and has flashing lights in sections (not strobe). The production contains scenes of a disturbing and sexual nature, including stabbing and strangulation.