Northern Ballet - Romeo & Juliet

Over the course of 23 years, from its première in Leeds Grand Theatre in 1992, until all the sets and costumes were tragically destroyed by floods in 2015, Northern Ballet's production of 'Romeo & Juliet' became a critically acclaimed success the world over. Now, after over a year of painstaking work to recreate those lost items, and under the watchful eye of artistic director Frederico Bonelli, the Leeds-based company is now once again touring this iconic ballet.

And from the moment the curtain rises for the beginning of Act 1, those brand new spectacular sets and colourful costumes deliver a definite 'wow' factor, as the townsfolk of Verona decorate the square in readiness for carnival. It is not long before the rival Capulet and Montague families are spoiling for a fight, but it is, of course, at the Capulet's ball where Romeo first lays eyes on Juliet. It is also where we get to witness the famous Dance of the Knights, performed to the piece of Prokofiev's score that has perhaps now become synonymous in popular culture with Alan Sugar and The Apprentice. And, of course, it is where the famous balcony scene occurs, and where Romeo and Juliet perform their beautiful Love Dance.

The tragic story of Romeo & Juliet is so well known that it needs no further explanation here, but this ballet version, originally directed and devised by Christopher Gable CBE, and choreographed by Massimo Moricone, stands or falls on the performances of the two leads, and in Joseph Taylor (as Romeo) and Dominique Larose (as Juliet), the magic is guaranteed. Taylor is handsome and strong, Larose is graceful and elegant, and when the two dance together the result is nothing short of explosive.

Which is probably just as well, because so much of the choreography is rooted in melodrama – lots going on, but very much concentrated on the actions and emotions of the characters rather than large-scale, tightly synchronised, dance routines. The result is reminiscent of a classic silent movie - expressive and delivered from a cast who passionately inhabit each and every character. Aaron Kok is impressively agile as Romeo's well-connected friend Mercutio, Archie Sherman strives gallantly as the peacemaker Benvolio whilst Harry Skoupas is stirring up trouble as Tybalt. Jonathan Hanks and Abigail Prudames team up as Lord and Lady Capulet, whilst Andrew Tomlinson heads up the Montague household as Lord Montague. Probably my favourite character, however, is The Nurse, portrayed magnificently, and with brilliant comedic touches, by Heather Lehan.

The members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by Daniel Parkinson and led by Geoffrey Allen, once again proved that there is no substitute for a live music score. Please may this continue to be the case.