(AD – PRESS NIGHT) VARNA BALLET’S ROMEO AND JULIET REVIEW
THURSDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2025 @ 7.30PM
HULL NEW THEATRE
*** 3/5
I’ll never turn down a night at the ballet, especially if it’s a ballet that I’ve never seen before. Of course, I know the story of the Shakespeare play roughly. It’s always nice to see it come to life on a stage. Here’s my Varna Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
Like I said above, it’s a ballet that I’ve never seen before. I’ve seen all the classics (Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, The Snow Maiden) but never Romeo and Juliet. I’ll admit that it’s also not my favourite Shakespeare play either! However, I try to go into every show with an open mind.
In fact, the only part I’ve ever seen before is in Center Stage, where Cooper Nielsen and Kathleen Donahue perform the balcony scene at a gala in the movie. Yes, I know that movie back to front. Yes, I recommend it to anyone who is a lover of ballet/dance!
THE PRODUCTION – POSITIVES
I’ll start by saying I was thrilled that there was a live orchestra for this ballet. I’m not a fan of a music track playing during a dance production (here’s looking at you, Northern Ballet) as live music adds to the atmosphere. It’s a score that I’m not too familiar with but there was chatter throughout the auditorium when the audience heard the theme from The Apprentice.
The chemistry between our two leads, Mirko Andreutti (Romeo) and Andrea Conforti (Juliet) was so believable. It really did feel like they were two youngsters falling in love with each other for the first time. I have to give a special shout-out to Giacomo Ammazzini as Mercutio, Romeo’s best friend (and secretly in love with him). Last time, I loved his flexibility but this time, it was his acting that drew me in.
The costuming was also out of this world. There were quite a lot of dancers with multiple costume changes. Each one was so detailed, even sitting halfway back, I could tell. There weren’t a lot of traditional ballet costumes (i.e. tutus) but I actually enjoyed that. The longer skirts added to the romantic feel of the piece and you could still see the technique and gorgeous lines.
THE PRODUCTION – NEGATIVES
I was a little disappointed in the set and backdrop. In fact, there really wasn’t any set other than a couple of side curtains. The projector-style backdrop looked a little blurry to me too. It was simply images of Verona (or what you’d expect it to look like) and was a little plain.
The main issue I had was not really understanding the story. Of course, it’s hard to portray the plot when you can’t use words or song but I had a hard time discovering who was who. I’ll admit it’s particularly my fault as I’m not a Romeo and Juliet expert. However, I thought one character was Juliet’s brother but then he was having it off with his mother so I assumed I was totally wrong!
The choreography was also a little confusing at times. There were a lot of hand gestures and movements, which I didn’t really understand, as well as a lot of stomping. Each character definitely had their own style of movement, which I appreciated, but I wouldn’t call some of it choreography. I wouldn’t say I’m a traditionalist either but I’d have loved more classical ballet included. I’ve seen Matthew Bourne’s productions (Romeo and Juliet and Swan Lake) and know contemporary ballet can be done!
FINAL THOUGHTS
There were lots of elements that I enjoyed (the costumes, the orchestra and the performers) but it feels a little like a ballet on a budget in other areas. The set felt lacking (how can you have a balcony scene with no balcony, just a backdrop?) and some of the choreographical choices seemed a little strange. All in all, it was a charming production with lots of promise but could do with a few extras to make it spectacular.
If you enjoyed my Varna Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet review, you can check out my other theatre reviews here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok as I share more of my theatre trips!
