Scottish Ballet – A Streetcar Named Desire At The Festival Theatre, Edinburgh Review

Reviewed by Lynsey

Performed by the Scottish Ballet and directed by Nancy Meckler, A Streetcar Named Desire is based on the Tennessee Williams play that follows the turmoil life of Blanche DuBois. After a glimpse of happiness Blanche’s grieve and guilt of losing her husband leads her to become a promiscuous alcoholic that runs away to live with her sister and abusive husband in New Orleans. Haunted by her late husband, abused by her brother in law and with no support from her sister, Branche falls further into despair until she retreats completely into fantasy.

This gritty story has stood the test of time as it is still very much relevant today covering difficult topics such as suicide, mental health and sexual assault. Although this should be difficult to watch you are immersed in Branche’s story. The Scottish Ballet and its dancers have absolutely taken these intense complicated issues and brought them to life through dance so wonderfully.

Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s choreography is modern and moves from dark to uplifting very well. It provides a variety of dance, with the jazz bar scenes being one of my favourites. Marge Hendrick danced the part of Branche well; she really brought to life her complex character and made you feel her anguish. With the emotion and darkness coming across so strongly. The technique of the male dancers was beautiful. Guest principle The Royal Ballet’s Ryoichi Hirano danced Stanley implacably and soloist Javier Andreu dancing Alan was stunning especially when he and Blanche’s duets.

I was slightly underwhelmed by the costume design. Unlike some other ballets it was simple with very little elegance. However, it did compliment the story well. And I did love how stripping Branche back to nude underwear brought out the vulnerability of her character.

Like the costumes the stage design was also simple but had an edgy feel that represented what I would envisage 1940’s New Orleans to feel like. And the Orchestra were inconspicuous but perfect in supporting the story and dancing throughout.

The Festival Theatre itself is a well maintained, clean, modern and very spacious theatre with a few bars to choose from which would provide a nice space to socialise before and during the interval of the show. It also has a café on the ground floor where you can grab a coffee and a small bite to eat beforehand. Being in the city centre it also has an array of bars and restaurants around it for pre and post show drinks and food. It is easily accessible by public transport and is surrounded by on street parking however spaces close by can at times be difficult to find. Like the theatre itself. There is also plenty of friendly staff on hand to help.

I really enjoyed my evening watching very talented dancers bring a gritty emotional story to life. It is a must see for ballet fans. I would absolutely recommend to friends and family.

Rating: I give this production a 4 out of 5.

The show is on Thursday 4th May 2023

For more information or to book tickets please visit Scottish Ballet: A Streetcar Named Desire (capitaltheatres.com)