NORTHERN BALLET’S ROMEO AND JULIET REVIEW
THURSDAY 19TH JUNE 2025 @ 2:30PM
LEEDS PLAYHOUSE, QUARRY THEATRE
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
It’s the greatest love story ever told, apparently. I’ll admit that I’ve never been a huge fan of the play, but as a ballet, I love it! That’s why when I saw one of my favourite ballet companies were performing it, I had to see their version. Here’s my Northern Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet review from Leeds Playhouse.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
This is the third iteration of Romeo and Juliet that I’ve seen. I saw the traditional version back in February by the Varna Ballet and have also seen Matthew Bourne’s non-traditional ballet a couple of years ago. With Northern Ballet, I knew this version would lean more towards the typical ballet production, but you never know how it will be performed, depending on the production. I also saw their Jane Eyre production not too long ago. That production was superb!
THE CAST
You know you’re always going to get an outstanding performance from any Northern Ballet cast. Our Juliet for this performance was Sarah Chun. I can’t recall seeing a ballerina as graceful as Chun, she just glided across the stage. For someone so tiny, she had the most gorgeous lines and extensions too.
Kevin Poeung was our Romeo and he also had such commanding stage presence. He’s shorter than your typical ballerino but he travels across the stage like someone much taller. Chun and Poeung’s chemistry was also really believable, like a couple of lovestruck teenagers.
Romeo’s friends Mercutio (Filippo Di Vilio) and Benvolio (Archie Sherman) are always a highlight on stage. Di Vilio is definitely the comedian of the two, with lots of innuendo, especially with the Nurse! Sherman is the more sensitive friend but still taunts Romeo for his forbidden love.
Helen Bogatch as Juliet’s Nurse is another comedic role. She doesn’t get as much of a dancing role as the rest of the cast, but you feel a genuine connection between her and Chun.
As always, the corps do an outstanding job in multiple roles throughout. This is a high-octane, demanding ballet and they don’t get a lot of time off-stage. I’m sure they’re thankful that it’s split into three acts!
THE PRODUCTION
This is a high-quality production across the board. The set design for Verona was spectacular, with stone-like columns on the outskirts of the stage and to represent Juliet’s balcony. However, it never detracts from the dancing on stage. Sometimes, it feels like there’s limited space for the dancers around the props. However, they always work with what space they have.
One of my highlights was definitely the costuming. Every single piece is incredibly detailed, with vibrant colours all over for the corps and more muted tones for Romeo and Juliet. I wouldn’t say it’s traditional ballet costuming as I can’t recall a tutu in sight. However, I actually prefer more whimsical skirts, as they flow much better on stage!
Even the lighting adds so many different elements too, with special effects used throughout. I especially loved only parts of the stage being lit up downstage whilst the set was changed in blackout. There was also an incredibly cool effect at the end of Act 2, when what looked like rice fell from the sky to mimic hailstorm. Honestly, it took me by surprise and the audience loved it!
The only downside for me again was the lack of an orchestra. Whilst the recording is done by a full orchestra, one of the best parts of seeing a ballet on stage is having a live orchestra. I’ll admit it’s a huge disappointment for me to see Northern Ballet do away with their orchestra.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Yet again, Northern Ballet exceed my expectations of a story that I don’t usually enjoy. This entire production, from the cast on stage to everyone behind the scenes, has created such a magical experience. The audience was mostly filled with OAPs and they certainly loved it! I was surprised that there weren’t any school trips, considering the GCSE English Literature syllabus!
If you enjoyed this Northern Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet review, you can find my other theatre reviews here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
