Scottish Ballet – These Violent Delights at Glasgow Imax Cinema Review

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

Reviewed by Deb M

The retelling of a story many across the world know, even if just as a love story that goes horribly wrong – Romeo and Juliet. What is stunning is that Scottish Ballet have taken this story, brought it into a modern setting but with no vocal lines that are used in film; it is told by lines of the body/ies through elegant ballet; even the harder parts of the story where death is the final outcome is done gracefully.

It’s amazing how the film even worked as there are six choreographers; all of whom had their remit of dancers and how at the end it all blends into such a success. But it is definitely Juliet’s story; a story of passion, longing outside her families wishes as well as her torment as she navigates her way through dream like hallucinations from taking ‘violent delights’.

Kayla-Maree Tarantolo who is Juliet, brought her character to life with quizzical looks as she looks into where her life should be taking her where she has been betrothed how her love is not for this fine gentleman but only for Romeo. When she is with Romeo her face lights up, her dancing become seductive and it is like there is no one else alive.

The ‘shadows’ dressed all in black, with unintelligible whispers torment Juliet – this is further enhanced by ‘head and hand dancing’ depicting her confused drug like state. The ‘shadows’ also depicted by hands that claw at her drawing her further into confusion is totally brilliant.

The rave world ‘Apothecary’ where anyone can be who they want to be; very much like a weekends night out fuelled by drink, drugs and sex. The drag queen Friar Lawrence rules this world; in a scene where Romeo and Juliet’s love is symbolised by heart shaped acid given to them by the Friar and the crowds cheer. I loved that the gay community was given a special scene. I also want to know how did they dance in those six inch heels???? They made it look all so simple.

I have purposely not given any spoilers or too much story content as it needs to be something that you go and see for yourself. Do you need to be a ballet buff? No! You will be amazed at how easy it is to understand the story without the use of words; but through the use of bright lights, vivid colours and costumes. The ballet medium is ingenious as it gives a fluid, sexual tension and makes even the darkest parts of this film beautiful, riveting and takes you into a world that is so familiar yet it is a powerfully new love story.

I would like to say that this is not for family viewing; but any teen or young adult would be able to understand the bonds of a love so deep it actually tortures your soul; you are willing to cross over into a dark world if you can only have that one fleeting moment with the person you love.

Rating: 4.5/5

In cinemas from 21st October 2026. For more information, visit www.theseviolentdelights.co.uk