Add to a wonderful piece of classical music by Prokofiev that just about everyone can hum along to, the inventive and passionate choreography of none other than the late, great Rudolf Nureyev and what have you got? Romance to die for!
Which, of course, is exactly what these star-crossed lovers went and did.
English National Ballet’s stunning version of Romeo and Juliet will transport you to Renaissance Verona where, beneath the day-to-day comings and goings in the city’s bustling piazza, there lurks a dangerous atmosphere.
As a long-held feud develops between the Capulet and Montague families so a fateful series of events are unleashed that will end with a tragic, final embrace.
English National Ballet’s stunning presentation of Romeo & Juliet is at The Milton Keynes Theatre from 22-24th October
Box Office: 0844 870 0887 or online: www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
What a rare joy it was to see the entire orchestra pit at Milton Keynes Theatre open and in use! I have seen other dance companies using backing tracks – but certainly not the English National Ballet. People that complain about British theatre receiving subsidies should just see (let alone hear the glorious sound!) of the 62 members of the very fine English National Ballet Philharmonic who are accompanying Romeo & Juliet at Milton Keynes Theatre this week and doing the music of Prokofiev proud!
That wonderful orchestra, along with a large cast of highly talented dancers of the English National Ballet made this an evening in the theatre that will be delightedly remembered by this week’s audiences for a very long time! Coping wonderfully with Rudolf Nureyev’s complicated choreography, we saw stunning performances from all the principal dancers, especially Isaac Hernandez (Romeo) and Erina Takahashi (Juliet) supported by an outstanding team of Principal artists, soloists and character artists.
The show was dressed, lit and set perfectly with the use of very effective subdued colours which, I imagine, is not easy on a tour when every theatre has its own different problems and characteristics.
I was pleased to see that this huge cast of dancers was augmented by students of the English National Ballet School giving them a real experience of working professionally on a tour.
If there are any spare tickets, take my advice and beg for one if you have to!
Ernie Almond
English National Ballet’s stunning presentation of Romeo & Juliet is at The Milton Keynes Theatre from 22-24th October
Box Office: 0844 870 0887 or online: www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeyne
