Matthew Bourne’s exquisitely choreographed production is filled with cinematic qualities that engages from start to finish.
If there is another choreographer who manages to capture the spirit of a story through dance as well as Matthew Bourne does then I have yet to experience their work. Every movement in his take on The Red Shoes is wonderfully fluid and captures the changing tone of the story with great depth.
The Red Shoes is based on the 1948 film in turn based on the 1845 fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson, which tells a cautionary tale of over ambition the consequences of this – but it is also a story about a passion for being creative and the arts in which life begins to imitate life. It follows the story of the rise of ballerina Victoria, who comes to the attention ballet impressario and Julian a struggling composer. As Victoria’s fame grows, both men vie for her attention through their attitude towards art and what it means to them, leading to tragic consequences.
Everything about the way in which this story is told and unfolds is exquisitely done, particularly with help of Paule Constable’s drama infused lighting and Lez Brotherston’s cleverly executed set and costume designs that add a cinematic quality to the production. This is of course enhanced further by Bernard Herrmann’s beautifully dramatic and emotion filled score, which has been orchestrated perfectly by Terry Davies.
While the outside scenes which focus on Victoria and her changing relationships with Boris and Julian are completely engaging in the way in which they are choreographed, particularly in the second act, the inside performance of the ballet of The Red Shoes is extremely haunting and mesmerising to watch. The contrast between the acts in terms of tone is powerfully felt in the build up to the climax.
Director and choreographer Matthew Bourne uses such a wonderful variety of dance styles to convey the changing tone. In particular, the scenes that take place in monte Carlo are a real treat to watch, highlighting blossoming relationships as well as a sense of playfulness. The way each move is seamlessly put together is a real thrill to watch – a perfect illustration of how much you can communicate with no words but simple body language and movement.
The cast is phenomenal from start to finish. At the centre of it all, Cordelia Braithwaite is wonderfully delicate and vulnerable as the impressionable Victoria really making an impact as the character develops and changes – there is an incredible strength to her dancing style that makes it difficult to take your eyes off her. Meanwhile, Dominic North once again showcases just why he is such a charismatic performer as Julian, capturing the character’s strengths and flaws with great style and energy. Andy Monaghan as Boris is equally as strong, capturing the many different sides to the character perfectly.
But the whole company deserves huge credit. They dazzle in every scene, dancing with such precision and joy that ensures that the whole performance is one to remember.
Overall, if you can catch The Red Shoes while it is on tour then I highly recommend that you do so as soon as possible. It is a wonderfully powerful evening of dance that highlights why dance is such an important part of the arts.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The Red Shoes continues to play at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking until the 21st February. It then continues to tour.