Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Michelle

I saw Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man at Milton Keynes Theatre, a lovely modern theatre next to the shopping centre with ample parking. With several restaurants nearby, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pre or post-theatre meal. I’ll be honest; I thought this show was ballet, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

I knew Matthew Bourne’s productions had an outstanding reputation, including one of my favourite shows currently playing in the West End, Oliver! I still wasn’t convinced The Car Man would be for me, based on the perception that it was a ballet. How wrong I was! Within minutes, I was completely engrossed. This isn’t a traditional ballet by any means; it’s an incredibly powerful piece of dance theatre that tells its story so brilliantly you soon forget there are very few spoken words.

Imagine The Car Man meets West Side Story with the sheer talent and seduction of contemporary dance, elements of ballet, mixed with upbeat classical music, dancing that incorporates a bit of country and elements of stomping/tap. it all together with some humour, seduction and titillation and you have a production that’s electrically charged and leaving you moving to the beat of the music as you watch an outstanding performance from start to finish.

Set against the backdrop of a dusty American garage and diner, the production creates the perfect setting for a gripping tale of passion, jealousy, betrayal and revenge. The arrival of a mysterious newcomer turns the lives of those around him upside down, and despite the lack of dialogue, the story is remarkably easy to follow. Every movement, expression and interaction draws you further into the drama, making it impossible to take your eyes off the stage.

The standard of dancing is exceptional throughout. Every member of the cast performs with incredible precision, athleticism and commitment, making even the most demanding choreography appear effortless. Matthew Bourne’s choreography is bold, imaginative and emotionally charged, moving seamlessly between tenderness, humour, suspense and explosive drama. Every dance sequence serves a purpose, revealing more about the characters and driving the story forward.

The chemistry between the cast is outstanding. Their trust in one another is evident in every lift, every interaction and every perfectly synchronised movement. Together they create believable, emotionally rich characters, conveying love, desire, vulnerability and tension without needing words. So convincing are their performances that, at times, I genuinely forgot I was watching a dance production.

The lead performances are outstanding. Luca and Lana are brought to life with such passion, emotion and commitment that you quickly become invested in their story. Their chemistry is completely believable, and the emotion they convey through movement alone is remarkable. Combined with exceptional dance ability and incredible physicality, they deliver performances that are captivating from beginning to end.

Visually, The Car Man is equally impressive. The cleverly designed set perfectly captures the atmosphere of the garage and diner along with various other locations featured throughout the production, without ever distracting from the action, while imaginative lighting and a wonderfully atmospheric musical score enhance every scene, shifting effortlessly between romance, suspense, moments of real emotional intensity and humour.

What impressed me most was just how accessible the production felt. You certainly don’t need to be a ballet enthusiast to appreciate what unfolds on stage. The storytelling is so strong and the performances so captivating that it’s easy to become completely invested in the characters and their relationships.

The Car Man is bold, stylish and utterly compelling. It challenges perceptions of what ballet can be, combining extraordinary choreography with powerful storytelling to create something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re already a fan of Matthew Bourne’s work or, like me, wouldn’t normally choose to watch something labelled as ballet, this production is proof that great theatre comes in many different forms. I left the theatre completely captivated, on a high and with a newfound appreciation for dance theatre and memories of a truly remarkable evening that will stay with me for a long time.

Would I see it again? Absolutely!

Rating: 5/5

Ticket prices start from £15.60 vary depending on the day and time of the performance. BOOK NOW, you won’t be disappointed! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com