Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
Matthew Bourne’s
The Red Shoes
Milton Keynes Theatre
14-18 February 2017
www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Reviewed by Dorothy White
Last night’s performance of Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes was absolutely brilliant. Ashley Shaw plays the part of Victoria Page, a ballerina with huge ambition, or as the programme described her, a rising star. Boris Lermontov, the legendary ballet impresario was played by Sam Archer and Julian Craster, a struggling composer, was played by Dominic North.
Victoria Page, Boris Lermontov and Julian Craster were excellent together, you could feel the tension between them, the conflict, the love, the jealousy, as they told the story through dance.
Victoria Page, through someone else’s misfortune wore the red shoes which she was beckoned and taunted with, once she had those red shoes her life would never be the same again. I loved how the red shoes and their ribbons were used and manipulated to entice her.
The Red Shoes ballet was excellent, Victoria Page’s dress gradually weathered and became tattered as she danced, and danced and danced until tragedy struck!
Everyone in the Ballet Lermontov Company was wonderful, no matter what dance they were doing. The entire cast were fantastic!
There was comedy from the Egyptian Sand Dancers in an East End music hall, when Victoria and Julian fell on hard times because of their love.
Whether in London or Monte Carlo the costumes were true to the period, be it relaxing on the beach, partying or at dance rehearsals. The ladies’ formal dresses were beautiful and so elegant.
The set was simple but well thought out. The scene changes appeared to work effortlessly. There was a moving curtain and a revolving section of stage which cleverly gave the appearance of being backstage or front of house. This curtain also created two bedroom scenes switching from one to the other.
The music was recorded under the direction of Terry Davis the recording producer and helped tell the story throughout. Bernard Hermann composed the original music for the 1948 film starring Moira Shearer and Anton Walbrook.
My just 14 year old granddaughter was with me, a budding ballerina who appreciates the hard work of dancers and pointe work. She was mesmerised and in awe of the fabulous technique of all the dancers!
A truly excellent performance throughought and well worth seeing.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £18.40 to £56.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Matthew Bourne’s production of The Red Shoes is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 18 February 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
