The Olivier Award-winning production by Matthew Bourne returns to Norwich!
Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes is a modern ballet drama based on the legendary Powell and Pressburger film. This production has a score which is orchestrated by Terry Davies, alongside piece accurate costumes and music. The story follows ballerina Victoria as she struggles between her passion for dance and the love between two men who inspire her passion. Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes is a captivating ballet which is not something we often visit at Rhombus Rota. Knowing this, we knew that it was a must watch when it came to Norwich Theatre Royal on tour. The production is directed by Matthew Bourne with a strong creative team behind the revival version of Red Shoes.
Firstly, Red Shoes is captivating, having the audience mesmerised throughout the entire show. The set and pieces brought into the scenes are grand, adding lots of atmosphere to the dancers’s performances. Specifically the curtain which rotates fully was very impressive and used perfectly throughout the show. I also really enjoyed how ‘The Ballet of the Red Shoes’ changed the stage completely, with new lighting and visuals. It made the entire experience feel more immersive than before and gave the performers full control of the dance. The orchestration of the score was also beautiful to listen too, making the whole production feel elegant.
Each role within the cast has a variety of actors taking turns in the roles. In our showing, we saw Mark Austin, Cameron Flynn, Christina Gibbs, Tom Barnes Standing, Thomas Ireson, Matthew Potulski, Jarrod McWilliams, Isabella Chandler, Daisy West, Anna-Maria De Fritas, Rosanna Lindsey, Reece Causton, Jackson Finch and Katrina Lyndon. The effortless way the dancers moved through the stage was a sight to see. In addition, the continuous costume changes added flavour to each scene: allowing their relationships to stand strong throughout.
Dominic North embodies Julian Craster, a struggling composer and Andy Monaghan plays Boris Letmontov, a ballet impresario. Both played their characters very well, giving brilliant performances throughout the show. The stand out of the show was Hannah Kremer who played Victoria Page, a rising star in the ballet scene. Kremer was herself a rising star, being fantastic in this role. She was mesmerising throughout, giving a somber and powerfully engaging physical presence on the stage. Her dancing was phenomenal, showing such grace and decorum throughout the piece.
Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes runs until Saturday 11th April at Norwich Theatre Royal. Book your tickets now!
Tickets for this performance were provided complimentary. Many thanks to the production team and Norwich Theatre Royal PR team for the opportunity.
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