Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell at Royal & Derngate Northampton Review

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

Reviewed by Mel Randle

Last night we went along to The Royal and Derngate at Northampton to see Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell. This is the fourth Matthew Bourne production I have seen and whilst he is well-known for his interpretations of famous stories and ballets, this particular production is based on a lesser known book, The Midnight Bell, by Patrick Hamilton from 1929.

The story is centred around a Soho pub back in the 1930’s and essentially gives an insight into the lives of the people who frequent the pub such as Ella the barmaid, Albert, a West End chorus boy and Jenny Maple, a young prostitute. It explores their relationships and the attitudes of the time – the forbidden same-sex relationship, the treatment of an attractive sex worker and the tortured soul of a schizophrenic.

The show is quite dark in places, with a little humour woven in, but carries a justified age 14+ recommendation due to the issues addressed. As with all Bourne’s productions, it is performed through dance and music, with no spoken words, therefore everything is left open to the audience’s interpretation and it gives us a chance to really think about and address in our own minds the issues raised. What he does do is end the show with a sense of hope, so what is essentially a dark story leaves us feeling uplifted.

For me, the set and lighting is what really make this production stand out. The moving scenery transports us from inside the pub to the surrounding streets and into the shady B&B. The railing and outline of terraced houses really cements the 1930’s London feel and the props authenticate the back street London pub scene that would be frequented by ordinary people with their individual back stories. The smoking and drinking, and 1930s costumes, all give us an insight into how life was back then and remind us how life moves forward yet we all tackle the same feelings and relationships and daily struggles even now! The incredible lighting with the use of spot lights and neon signs, streetlights and dry ice all combined to create the effect that gave the story it’s dark undertones and impression of tortured souls and inner struggles.

Matthew Bourne is renowned for giving opportunity to new talent in his productions, but with this particular production he has used a long term experienced dance cast who have taken their contemporary dance skills and married them with acting to tell the story in a new way. All twelve were wonderful and it would be unfair to single anyone out as better than another. The performances were nothing short of outstanding!

If you are a fan of Matthew Bourne’s you will love the creativity and presentation in this show, so despite it not being an adaptation of a well-known piece, it really should be on you to-see list! If you have not seen one of his productions before, you are in for a stunning visual delight which will challenge your thinking through art, music and 1930’s nostalgia.

Rating: 5/5

Matthew Bourne’s Midnight Bell is at Royal & Derngate Northampton until Saturday 19th July 2025

For ticket information and to book, visit royalandderngate.co.uk

The Midnight Bell contains scenes of a sexual nature, including sexual violence and mental distress, smoking on stage (e-cigarettes), haze and flickering lights (not strobe).