Romeo and Juliet - The Lowry

THE words ‘traditional’ and ‘convention’ are simply not a part of Matthew Bourne’s DNA and the trend continues with this memorable and captivating interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic love story.

As far as settings go, it’s the most inappropriate of locations for a romance to thrive, a stark and austere looking backdrop which feels, looks and sounds like some sort of institution.

In the programme notes, the always brilliant and forever ground breaking Bourne says it’s up to the audience to decide where we are.

For me, we’re in some sort of psychiatric hospital presided over by a despotic regime which tries to drug its exclusively young inmates into submission.

After all, it tends to be the young who tend to be at the forefront of social change and the fictional Verona Institute exists to silence them.

We critics have our tried and tested stock of superlatives when it comes to conveying just how good an evening of theatre actually is.

But when it comes to the choreography of Matthew Bourne and his aptly christened company New Adventures you simply have to experience it.

This ballet visionary has also made it his mission to bring a new audience to the genre and judging by the considerable number of young people at The Lowry he’s succedding.

When you add Prokofiev’s iconic score you have a truly magical theatrical mix and I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this touching and tender tale all over again.

Until July 15.

The box office is on 0343 208 6000 or you can book online at www.thelowry.com.

Star rating - *****