Trev could not wait to return to Milton Keynes Theatre last night (11/02) to see the highly anticipated Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes and here is his full review...
The Experience
Last night I was lucky enough to spend the evening at MK Theatre watching my third Matthew Bourne New Adventures production - the completely captivating, The Red Shoes. Inspired by the 1948 film of the same name and the original fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen it follows the journey of dancer Victoria Page, who must choose between her love for composer Julian Craster and the world of a dedicated ballerina in the ballet company of Boris Lermontov, who is adamant she cannot have both.
We are taken on a journey encompassing romance, comedy and tragedy told through wonderful dance, drama and the glamour of the 1940s with the ever inventive choreography, clever staging - including a fabulous revolving curtain which allowed the audience to feel they were backstage and then front of house - atmospheric lighting, wonderful costumes and exciting music that I've loved in other Bourne productions.
All the performers are captivating from start to finish and there is always so much to see on the stage that I'm sure you could watch it many time and see something new. I loved the Prima Ballerina marking her dance hold her dress in the roaming stage lights, Julian's energetic performance reflecting his desire to be in the spotlight as a great composer, the comedic beach scene complete with swimming and beach balls and the emotionally charged bedroom scene with Victoria and Julian portraying their turmoil at not being able to achieve their artistic dreams. The ballet within the ballet is stunning with Victoria on point in the symbolic red shoes which really do seem to be pulling her and making her dance as if she has no self-control, with atmospheric projected backdrops and sound effects adding to her sense of turmoil.
A completely captivating and mesmerising production!
The Story
An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences, The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart.
A sell-out before its world premiere season opened in 2016, Bourne’s triumphant adaptation of the legendary film went on to win Best Entertainment at the 2017 Olivier Awards, and he won the award for Best Theatre Choreographer.
A timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its powerful tale of obsession, possession and one girl’s dream to be the greatest dancer in the world. Victoria Page lives to dance, but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion.
“I’m thrilled to announce that 11 of the original cast of The Red Shoes, which premiered in 2016, are returning for this 10th Anniversary production, performing the roles they created, possibly, for the last time. This is something that no New Adventures fan will want to miss!" Matthew said.
"The Red Shoes was the culmination of a twenty-year ambition to bring Powell and Pressburger's seminal 1948 film to the stage. It was also, in many ways, a personal love letter to a life in theatre and dance.
"This production was certainly a landmark event for New Adventures, becoming an instant classic and a beloved addition to our repertoire. I’m so happy to see it return this year, especially as our last tour in 2020 was sadly cut short by the pandemic and left many of our loyal audiences throughout the UK disappointed.
"So, welcome back to the Ballet Lermontov and to paraphrase the great impresario himself… ‘It's time to put on the red shoes, Vicky, and dance for us again....’”
Book your tickets now
The Red Shoes plays from Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 February.
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*
*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
