Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia is treating Nottingham to the classical Shakespeare story, arguably the most famous love story ever told, Romeo and Juliet, with grace and panache. Prokofiev’s score was gripping, the opulent sets and costumes all added to the spectacle for the eclectic audience last night.
I had never seen live ballet before and was slightly daunted by the prospect of sitting for nearly three hours, but the time flew, partly down to the familiarity of the story. One of the highlights I think was the sword fighting ballet, it was mesmerising; the accuracy and intricacy involving so many of the ensemble.
Jenna Roberts was a very believable Juliet not just because she looked so young, but because of both her dancing and acting skills. She made our Romeo of the evening, Iain Mackay, look like a man in love when they danced together, the haunting final act when Romeo dances with the ‘lifeless’ Juliet will stay in my mind for a long time.
From the opening lively street scene to that final devastating one, you, like me, will be won over to ballet brilliance.
Romeo and Juliet runs till Saturday 2nd April at Theatre Royal.
Review by Ann Taylor
Tickets available online:
http://www.trch.co.uk/index.aspx?articleid=30337
