The Lyceum Theatre Sheffield – until 25 July 2026
Reviewed by Sal E Marino
5*****
Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man, presented by New Adventures at the Lyceum Theatre Sheffield, is nothing short of stunning. Brilliantly directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, with a thrilling score by Terry Davies incorporating Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite (after Bizet’s Carmen), this electrifying production is filled to the brim with passion, desire and danger. While it doesn’t follow the original Carmen storyline, it captures the same intoxicating emotions of lust, fate, fatal attraction and burning obsession. Bourne’s ingenious reinvention even begins with the title itself – The Car Man – transporting the action to an Italian-American community in a small Midwestern American town during the 1960s. The production has a wonderfully raw, spit-and-sawdust atmosphere, enriched with stylish hints of classic European cinema that give it a gritty, sensual edge.
The arrival of the mysterious and irresistibly alluring Luca (Harrison Dowzell) immediately changes the lives of everyone in town. Employed as a mechanic at the local garage, Luca soon finds himself irresistibly drawn to Lana (Cordelia Braithwaite), who works in the neighbouring diner. Unfortunately, Lana is already involved with Dino (Danny Reubens), the owner of both the garage and diner, but their fatal attraction proves impossible to resist. Their chemistry burns with intensity from the moment they meet. Without revealing too much of this fascinating and cleverly unfolding storyline, Luca also becomes entangled in another relationship, creating a toxic love triangle that ultimately leads to devastating consequences. Every twist grips the audience tighter, making this an edge-of-your-seat theatrical experience from beginning to end.
The storytelling through dance is simply spectacular. Not for a single moment can the audience take their eyes off the stage as the production surges forward with high-energy choreography, non-stop drama and breathtaking performances. Every sequence is technically flawless, with each lift, step and movement executed with astonishing precision. Standout moments include the sensual, intimate duets between Luca and Lana as their passion begins to consume them, alongside the beautifully romantic and deeply moving dances shared by Angelo (Leonardo McCorkindale) and Rita (Kurumi Kamayachi), whose heartfelt performances bring genuine emotion and poignancy to the production. Every member of the company is first-class, delivering outstanding performances that perfectly balance athleticism with emotional storytelling.
Visually, the production is every bit as impressive as the performances. Lez Brotherston’s superb set and costume designs perfectly evoke the smoky garages, bustling diner and small-town America of the 1960s, while Chris Davey’s atmospheric lighting creates the ideal mood throughout, shifting effortlessly from moments of romance to scenes of mounting tension and tragedy. This New Adventures production is a masterclass in dance theatre—thrilling, seductive, emotionally charged and utterly unforgettable. The Car Man is a wonderful, highly entertaining production that deserves every accolade. You won’t be disappointed.