Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man at The Lowry Review
Matthew Bourne’s
The Car Man
The Lowry, Manchester
26-30 May 2015
Reviewed by Ann Durrell
Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Car Man’ is billed as a reimagining of Bizet’s Carmen. Set in the small town of Harmony in 1950’s America, the plot does not follow the opera, but is loosely based on James M. Cains book ‘The postman always rings twice’ (made into a movie in 1983 starring Jack Nicolson and Jessica Lange).
As the audience was making the way to their seats, the cast had already begun taking their places on the stage. The set design is amazing, really atmospheric and scene changes are seamless. Initially we are transported to Dino’s garage complete with vintage cars next to a classic all American diner. We then meet Luca (Jonny Ollivier), a drifter who noticing a ‘Man Wanted’ sign applies for work at the garage with Dino (Alan Vincent) the owner. Dino has a younger, bored and beautiful wife Lana (Zizi Strallen) who immediately catches Luca’s eye. We then meet Angelo (Liam Mower) the hired help, who is bullied by the mechanics, and Rita (Kate Lyons), Lana’s sister who is in love with Angelo. What then ensues is a story of love, murder and revenge. The score by Terry Davies is recognisable as Carmen the opera but with additions, it really compliments the production and I was often wondering what came first the choreography or the score.
The plot of The Car Man is a real thriller, danced superbly to some jaw droppingly good choreography from Matthew Bourne. I can confess at other ballets/dance productions that I have not been drawn in by the story, more just enjoyed the dancing, this is definitely not the case with The Car Man. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole performance, wondering what was going to happen next. All of the dancing was fantastic, the male characters reminding me of matadors on occasion strutting across the stage pulling off some complicated and very clever choreography with ease. There was impressive use of the set with dancers jumping over and onto the cars and structures. Zizi Strallen was excellent as Lana, she oozed sensuality and confidence as she moved across the stage, Jonny Ollivier as Luca also gives a stand out performance. Liam Mower was brilliant as Angelo, dancing perfectly, expressing the character’s vulnerability.
This was the first time I have been to a Matthew Bourne production, I enjoyed every aspect of the entire performance and will be making sure I get to see more.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £27 to £41 (includes £2 booking fee).
Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man is at The Lowry in Salford Quays, Manchester until 30 May 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
