Dance

THE world premiere of Matthew Bourne’s new show, Romeo and Juliet, comes to Bradford this month.

The New Adventures production is a passionate and contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s love story. Bursting with youth, vitality and Bourne’s trademark storytelling, it features some of Britain’s brightest young dance talent.

As part of New Adventures’ programme supporting the next generation of dancers, Romeo and Juliet will feature emerging male and female dancers from around the UK. The search began in April 2018 with a call-out for young dancers currently in training aged between 16 and 19, which attracted over 1,000 applicants.

Following auditions, six young cast members will perform at each venue alongside the New Adventures company.

Directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, the show brings Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers into the 21st century. Confined against their will by a society that seeks to divide, the two young lovers must follow their hears as they risk everything to be together.

The show follows Bourne’s tradition of re-imagining classic stories, which have seen him set Cinderella in wartime London and Carmen in 1950s smalltown America.

* Romeo and Juliet is at the Alhambra from May 22-25. For tickets call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk