Varna International Ballet – Romeo & Juliet 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 Janine Rumble
Varna International Ballet 2025 – Romeo and Juliet – A timeless tragedy brought to life through dance.
Yesterday, I visited Royal and Derngate theatre in Northampton to watch the Varna International Ballet 2025 perform Romeo and Juliet, directed by Daniela Dimova and accompanied by the amazing Varna International Ballet orchestra, conducted by Music Director and Chief Conductor, Peter Tuleshkov.
Romeo and Juliet, is the iconic Shakespearean love story, that has been reimagined countless times, but few adaptations can capture its poignancy and intensity like a ballet. The performance I attended was an enchanting display of classical ballet, blending timeless storytelling with breathtaking choreography and a wonderful musical score. The production, set against a beautiful, minimalist backdrop, allowed the dance itself to speak louder than words ever could. The ballet, set to Sergei Prokofiev’s powerful score, launched us into the world of Verona, where the tension between the Montagues and Capulets is only rivalled by the pure love shared between the two young protagonists. The dancers embodied their roles with impressive skill, passion, and heart, elevating the tragedy beyond mere movements and gestures.
The central performances by the ballet’s Romeo and Juliet were nothing short of magical. Romeo, played by Mirko Andreutti, with remarkable strength and grace, brought a perfect balance of youthful impulsiveness and tender vulnerability to his role. Juliet, performed by Andrea Conforti, whose fluidity and emotion seemed to transcend her movements, beautifully captured the innocence and fervour of a young woman caught in the whirlwind of forbidden love. Their duets were mesmerizing—each leap and spin conveying the depth of their connection, their passion, and their inevitable heartbreak.
The choreography was a delicate balance of technical mastery and emotional storytelling. The fight scenes, typically filled with violent action, were transformed into breathtaking displays of athleticism, showing the aggression and frustration of the characters in a refined yet raw way. The tension between the feuding families came to life through aggressive, sharp movements that contrasted sharply with the softness and gentleness of Romeo and Juliet’s love scenes. Particularly memorable was the pas de deux in the Capulet’s grand ballroom, a scene where the pair’s love blossomed in full view of their families, creating a poignant sense of inevitable tragedy that lingered long after the curtain fell.
The supporting cast did not go unnoticed. Mercutio’s spirited performance, full of humour and mischief, provided a contrast to the melancholic undercurrent of the play. Tybalt’s fiery, intense movements revealed a character driven by pride and rage. The chorus, as well, helped to maintain the atmosphere, their synchronized motions often acting as a backdrop that framed the central tragedy with their own brand of collective tension.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this ballet production was its seamless integration of movement and music. Prokofiev’s composition—rich in contrasts from the heart-pounding intensity of the fight scenes to the lilting beauty of the love duets—was perfectly complemented by the dancers’ performances.
The staging was minimal but effective—soft lighting accentuating the dancers’ movements and drawing focus to their expressions. The costumes were a tasteful blend of period authenticity and creative interpretation, allowing the characters’ personalities to shine through. The ballet’s use of space, too, was worth noting: expansive moments in large scenes, juxtaposed with the intimacy of the private encounters between Romeo and Juliet, helped underscore the isolating nature of their doomed love.
If there was a flaw to the performance, it might have been in moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven, particularly in some of the longer, more reflective sections. But these moments were few.
In conclusion, the Romeo and Juliet ballet is a testament to the power of dance as a storytelling medium. It transforms Shakespeare’s tragic tale into a visual and emotional masterpiece, where the dance itself becomes the language through which love, conflict, and loss are expressed. With stunning choreography, captivating performances, and a heart-wrenching score, this ballet captures the essence of one of the most iconic love stories ever told, reminding us that tragedy, even in its most beautiful form, always leaves a lasting impact.
Tonight, Varna International Ballet are performing Swan Lake and on Wednesday 5h, they will be performing The Nutcracker (one of my favourite ballets).
Tickets for each of the shows can be purchased from the Box Office inside the theatre, by calling the Box Office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk. Ticket prices start from £18.00. * A non-refundable £4 per-transaction fee applies for bookings of £20 and over.
I give Romeo and Juliet 4/5. A great show for both ballet enthusiasts and for those new to ballet.
Rating: 4/5