Matthew Bourne’s Romeo And Juliet At Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Mel Randle

I only saw my first ballet a year ago – Matthew Bourne’s production of The Nutcracker. Until then I had, like many others I’m sure, always imagined ballets to be very stuffy and very boring. How wrong I was and I was instantly hooked.  So I was absolutely delighted to be invited to review Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet at Milton Keynes Theatre last night. And it did not disappoint!

Most people are familiar with the story of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet whether it be from studying Shakespeare, watching West Side Story, or more recently reading Julia Donaldson’s The Smed and The Smoos (this one had a happier ending!). Matthew Bourne has loosely taken the basic plot of a 500 year old play, added it to Prokofiev’s 90 year old ballet score and added a cast of new emerging professional dancers to come up with a new thought provoking modern adaptation suitable for old and new generations alike.

The music by Prokofiev was described in the programme as ‘undoubtedly one of the most well-known and best-loved ballet scores’. Well I have to admit to never having heard of Prokofiev or his Romeo and Juliet ballet score! However, as the curtain raised and ‘The Apprentice’ music came on, I knew I was in familiar territory. Who knew!?

The set on paper should have been very bland. The scenery didn’t change and the costumes in the main were white vests and trousers. However the clever use of lighting, shadows, torches and a disco ball created a wonderfully atmospheric set for each scene. We particularly enjoyed how the props for scene change were incorporated into the dance. Throw in some balloons and a vicar in a green cardigan and hey presto, you have a dash of colour!

Now to the stars of the show…… I hadn’t even read that the dancers were emerging professionals until the interval and I wouldn’t have guessed. They were all incredible. Apparently nine of the (I think) nineteen cast were making their professional debut. I couldn’t tell you which nine. They were certainly deserving of a standing ovation at the end! We all turned pantomime for a moment when we gave the ‘baddie’ a good old boo!!

The performance was given an age rating of 14+ and it was understandable why. It was set in an institution for young people. We were never given clarity as to whether it was a school, a prison or an asylum. I think this was something we had to imagine for ourselves. It addressed current issues, was sexually suggestive and contained murder scenes with loud gunfire and strangulation. But despite the fact it was never going to have a happy ending, it was thoroughly enjoyable and very cleverly executed. There was a fabulous twist towards the end (which I won’t spoil for you) but just goes to show age old stories can be reworked and still keep surprising new audiences.

I would urge anyone to go and see this. You don’t have to like ballet – there’s not a tutu in sight. It’s something really different from a story you think you know with a music score you didn’t know you knew!

Rating: 4.5/5

Tickets cost from £13 (plus £3.80 transaction fee)
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet is live at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 5th September – Saturday 9th September 2023
To book tickets, visit atgtickets.com or call the box office on 0207 206 1174
500 Marlborough Gate, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3NZ

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/matthew-bournes-romeo-and-juliet/milton-keynes-theatre