Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 7th October 2023
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
4****
Matthew Bourne has a reputation for creating some fantastic adaptations. Taking classical tales of the very traditional variety, revamping them and splashing his style all over them, in the world of dance. This is such a great example of that. Romeo and Juliet stops at the Sheffield Lyceum for one week only and it’s well worth getting down there for a wonderful night out, if this is your cup of tea.
This is not Romeo and Juliet as you know it, although does still carry the tale of two young people falling in love, with a tragic ending. But this time the setting is an institution of sorts for young people (The Verona Institute) partaking in group therapy and living their lives within the four walls.
The talent on the stage with this cast is unreal. Super polished, charismatic and fresh. Amongst the wonderful crew, a few to mention are Monique Jonas playing Juliet, wow, she has some great stage presence to compliment her dance ability. She suits the role well with her feminine charms and grace. The dance between her and Romeo (Paris Fitzpatrick), is so beautiful and really welcomed for a bit of a breather in the performance, as it’s quite tense and hectic up to that point. Danny Reubens playing Tybalt is exceptionally good at creating the fear within his character. Anya Ferdinand really stood out as Faith with her superb expressional face and exquisite dancing.
A real huge nod must go to set and costume designer Lez Brotherston for one of the best, most effective sets. The huge ‘brick’ white wall is used in so many ways, to dance off, to run up, to climb up the steps. It also is a perfect plain canvas as a backdrop for the costumes and dancers bodies, which really stand out in front of it. When the huge light is brought down on to the stage, it’s quite unbelievable how they manage to transport that into different theatres. The scale of it is really quite something!
If you are after a classic Romeo and Juliet then this is not for you, this is edgy, well-executed contemporary magic, adapted with a real twist