REVIEW: Northern Ballet - Romeo & Juliet at Mayflower Theatre

Northern Ballet have taken the long journey down to the south coast as their production of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ makes its way to Mayflower Theatre. Now I’m sure many of you are aware of the story of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’, whether that be from studying it, or enjoying it as a piece of classic theatre - but have you ever seen it without the words? Trying to follow Shakespeare is confusing enough at the best of times, so I was a little bit worried about how easy the story would be to follow with the lack of dialogue. To my surprise, I actually think it may have been easier to follow along with than the original.

One thing in particular that impressed me with Northern Ballet’s production was the sheer scale of it. It’s literally a classic ballet, with a classic layout, all in the modern day. Ballet’s usually have a live orchestra paired with them, but unfortunately this isn’t the case for this particular touring show. Outside the front of the theatre before the start of the performance, leaflets were being handed out basically explaining that these companies just don’t have the funds to be able to afford a live orchestra on their touring productions. This is something we can all help with by just going to theatre and supporting the arts. If you have read my reviews before you will know how much I think a live orchestra/band can add to any show; don’t get me wrong, the performers were incredible - but with music from a backing track it did lose that edge and maybe that bit of energy as well.

This ballet is split into three different sections; Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3. In-between each act, there is a small intermission which as well as acting as a time for a scene change and rest for the dancers, I think it is a great time to actually discuss what is going on with the people around you. The whole company deserves a huge round of applause and congratulations as they were all flawless. Each dancer left their all on that stage, and the way in which they told this story through only movement was exceptional.

‘Romeo & Juliet’ themselves were both incredible. The bond they shared on stage was brilliant and you could really feel what every movement meant to their characters. Their paired dances truly showed off that these performers aren’t just dancers, but athletes. The power and grace they demonstrated was just beautiful. It was really easy to see the difference between characters as well. Not just from costume design, but also in the mannerisms and ways that the dancers held themselves even when they weren’t dancing. As far as stand out performances go however, it seems like the show should’ve been called, ‘Romeo & Juliet & Mercutio’. ‘Mercutio’ was just hilarious. The acting, the energy, and the comedy that he brought to this performance was my highlight of the show I think. Every time he was on stage, there were laughs all around the auditorium. An incredible performance. Much the same can be said about ‘The Nurse’. She was definitely trying to be the voice (well movement) of reason in a show full of love, death, and just crazy. Again, much like ‘Mercutio’, every time she was on stage - her presence was definitely felt and laughter filled up the auditorium again.

When it comes to set and design, it was incredibly impressive. The lighting, the sheer size of the set and the costumes were all brilliant. Not to spoil too much, but the show literally opens with Romeo & Juliet being pulled apart with lightning and pillars moving - and what a way to start a show! It was like a perfect foreshadowing in the most creative way possible. There was also a scene at the end of act 2 I think it was where rain pours down, but the stage was actually flooded with what seemed like real rain. Of course this wasn’t real rain and it was instead rice, but the effect that it gave off was very very cool to see. There were certain moments where attention was taken off of the dancers centre stage and spotlighted on Romeo & Juliet in the foreground at the side of the stage. I think that there may have been slightly better ways to address this, as to not take too much attention off of the group dances and their moment. The use of shadows when entering the chapel or when certain ‘deaths’ happen was also incredibly effective.

As I mentioned earlier, it was a real shame that there wasn’t a live orchestra for this ballet, but this is just one of those things that can’t be helped. Well actually it can be helped, but that is down to us as an audience showing up and supporting the arts. I feel like the soundtrack did take some energy away from the overall performance, not from the dancers - just from the absence of being able to feel the live music and see the conductor and orchestra moving along in their own little dance as well. If anything, it actually shows just how talented this company of dancers really is, to have to stick to a strict time count where any errors now can’t be amended live. There was one pace and they had to stick to it; and they did that brilliantly. Bravo!

Overall, ‘Romeo & Juliet’ really proves why Northern Ballet are one of the most prestigious ballet groups out there. The performance was both powerful and beautiful, and most importantly easy to follow as well. If you didn’t know the story before hand, I’m still confident that you would be able to follow along with what is going on without getting lost. Of course, you wouldn’t know the character names without the programme, but that doesn’t take away from how brilliant this cast was. If you have never seen a ballet, I highly recommend you make your way down to wherever Northern Ballet are going to be as they also have some exciting productions coming up over Christmas and into the new year that aren’t exactly your traditional ballets. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare and have never seen one of his plays told through dance, I also think you should give it a go and see if its for you! I’d like to wish the whole company at Northern Ballet the best of luck as they continue on their UK tour.