Dark and magical, Matthew Bourne’s twist on the story of young lovers is an absolute delight if you like blood in your ballet and/or Shakespeare. So clearly up my street…
Positioning the youth in a mental hospital allows freedom in the impulsiveness of their actions and the speed and urgency of their choices; these are young people for whom the necessity of action is essential. The forces against them are their parents, but also the doctors and nurses, the administrators, even society who has tucked them away.
The choreography is absolutely stunning and is served by the inventive lighting design which transforms the space repeatedly. Absolutely magic.