For the first time in decades, a ballet is being performed on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage. And could there possibly be a more appropriate setting for Romeo & Juliet?

Shakespeare’s brilliant storytelling is here impressively brought to life through the medium of dance by Leeds-based company Northern Ballet, whose version of the bard’s timeless tragedy has garnered critical acclaim wherever it’s played.

While Sergei Prokofiev’s famous and magnificent score exquisitely enhances the production, budget cuts sadly mean that, for the time being, the Northern Ballet Sinfonia is being replaced by recorded music.
The production closely follows the play, with all the well-known scenes present and correct. The fights, the first meeting between Romeo and Juliet, the balcony scene, and the tragedy in the crypt are all framed by the rivalry between the warring Montagues and Capulets.

The differences between the rival families are cleverly and clearly denoted by their respective costumes. The Montagues, dressed in bold colours, are more joyful and fun loving than their sinister and serious counterparts, the Capulets, who wear red, black and gold.

By complete contrast, Romeo and Juliet’s simple white costumes set them apart from the rest of the cast. Their first encounter with one another is enthralling. Their eyes meet and the world stops for both of them. They stand frozen in each other’s stare whilst the party goes on around them. Simply breathtaking.

Saeka Shirai takes on the demanding role of Juliet in a seemingly effortless manner. She is rarely off stage throughout the three acts, which last a grand total of almost two-and-a-half hours. Her performance is flawless and perfectly captures the childlike Juliet on the cusp of a sexual awakening, as she experiences the emotions of falling in love.

Harris Beattie is completely captivating as Romeo, and the star-crossed lovers share an enchanting chemistry on stage. Romeo’s youthful strength and virility contrasts starkly with Juliet’s gentle innocence, which culminates in a powerful and sensual pas de deux in the balcony scene.

Although essentially telling a tragic story, the ballet nevertheless includes moments of delightful comedy. These are most in evidence in the scenes between a playful Juliet and her nurse & confidante, danced by Dominique Larose.

Jun Ishii marvellously embodies the character of Mercuitio, the charismatic rogue. Part jester in his striped leggings, his dancing reflects his impudence and is full of energy and enthusiasm.

The fight scenes are expertly choreographed and explode dramatically on stage. Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt, danced by George Liang, kills Mercuitio, and Romeo kills Tybalt in retribution,. He then has to escape Verona, leaving Juliet behind, or lose his life.

The whole performance is visually stunning and positively bursting with intense passion. The choreography is powerful, and the acting every bit as finely tuned as the dancing.

Striking costumes, atmospheric stage designs depicting 16th-century Verona, and emotionally charged storytelling all add to the mix.

I was completely captivated throughout, from the rousing overture to the heartbreaking closing scene when, over the dead bodies of their children, Lord Capulet and Lord Montague console each other in their shared grief.

5 stars

Northern Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet was reviewed by Sue Hull on Thursday 19 September at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, where it shows until this Saturday (28 September)