Review: Romeo & Juliet Northern Ballet at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Invited| Review by Samantha Pearson

The infamous story of Romeo and Juliet, told with the art of mesmerising dance and not a syllable in tow, Northern Ballet captivated the whole audience with Its brilliant choreography and stage dynamic at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal last night.  

Everyone knows the story of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, who’s families, the Montagues and Capulets are truly implacable enemies and are destined for tragedy from the outset. Knowing they are unable to be together, they kill themselves in a devastating ending when they realise, they cannot cope being separated from each other, ending the age long dispute between both families after the heartbreaking losses finally take their toll.  

Tonight was the first ballet I had ever attended, it was something I always knew I wanted to witness, and the opportunity finally arose. It was brilliant to see so many different age groups attending and pretty much a full audience for the night. The first act, directed and devised by Christoper Gable CBE got underway with the Montagues decorating a marketplace in Verona ready for a carnival, it was wonderful to witness all the dancers come together at this point and truly put on a celebration through the style of dance, instantly setting the scene. That is until of course, an inevitable fight breaks out between the two families and we’re introduced to Romeo (Kevin Poeung) rivaling Tybalt (Antoni Canellas Artigues) the nephew of Lord Capulet. However, although a full battle descends, the artistry remains and the dancers capture the scene magically.  

We’re introduced to Juliet (Sarah Chun) in her bedroom, playing the part with elegance and yet a slight hint of mischief. It was brilliant to see the connection she had with her Nurse (Helen Bogatch) who, if I say so myself, played an outstanding role from beginning to end, providing humour through only dance and gestures, a truly remarkable talent much to the audience’s delight. Another stand out performer was Filippo Di Vilio playing the part of Mercutio, keeping us entertained throughout.  

The chemistry between Romeo and Juliet from their first meeting was electric, and the story flowed from beginning to end over the course of three acts. The production lasted roughly two and a half hours, but there wasn’t a moment the production slowed or felt as though it was dragging. The music team brought the production to life with dramatic sound effects and musical numbers by Prokofiev which completely set the scene. The lighting and stage set up was captivating, and the smooth set changes into each part of the story helped the production to flow perfectly.  

It’s wonderful to see that Northern Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet has come back to the stage after heartbreak and devastation (ironic) when sets and costumes were devastated by floods in 2015 and the show was forced into early retirement. After 18 months of hard work from all members of the company, restoring Lez Brotherson OBE’s intricately crafted costumes and sets, it’s easy to see that it has paid off and it’s an absolute delight to see it back on stage.  

Tonight was a spectacular celebration of Shakespeare and it was a delight to be part of the audience to witness such brilliantly cast dancers, who’s authenticity and emotion for the show transcribed into brilliant story-telling which completely mesmerised the whole audience and myself. A stunning performance running for the rest of this week at Newcastle Theatre Royale and another outstanding production back on the road for Northern Ballet.  

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