Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 28 September 2019
Reviewed By Jo Gordon
5*****
Mention Romeo and Juliet to others and there is usually two camps of thought, one who remember being force fed it in their school years and would rather let it pass by them as an adult and the other who love all mediums that it could possibly be portrayed. I am the latter so add into the mix Sir Matthew Bourne and you’ve got me! The classic has been re-imagined by Matthew stripping it back to its true meaning of young, passionate love. Set in the Verona Institute, a psychiatric and young offenders unit that over medicates the young patients and makes them partake in group therapies and physical activities. Ruled with an iron fist they are kept well under control, with this, those in power abuse their position and the guard Tybalt (Danny Reubens) has chosen Juliet (Seren Williams) to be his abuse victim. Juliet’s friends try their hardest to save her from this to no avail. Meanwhile a high flying political couple appear with their son Romeo (Andy Monaghan), elections are on the way and to them he is an embarrassment so pay to have him locked away while they try to gain their political dreams. Romeo and Juliet meet and their love is instant but many factors make it difficult for that love to prosper.
Set to the music of Prokofiev, the choreography will take your breath away at times, from rigid, military timing movements used to portray their controlled lack of freedom within the institute to the stunningly beautiful “balcony”scene where the star crossed lovers entwine and have the longest kiss I may have ever witnessed on stage. The dancers show the passion, sadness and at times happiness that is needed to take your emotions up and down with them and with use of local talent in each production, it stays fresh as everyone brings new energies and a little of themselves to the mix.
The set is well thought out, with only ever the white tiled, industrialised and cold institute used which when coupled with the stark white costumes adds to that institutionalised feel.
You will absolutely hold your breath at times as you get drawn into Romeo and Juliet’s pain and if like me, the tears come easy, you will shed a few. As ever Sir Matthew Bourne has not let me down and I found it to be just beautifully raw.