The timeless drama and storytelling of Shakespeare’s plays have inspired generations of theatregoers across the globe for hundreds of years. In 2016, Birmingham Royal Ballet commemorates 400 years since the death of arguably the world’s most prolific playwright with a national tour of one of the most breath-taking adaptations of his tale of star-crossed lovers, Kenneth Macmillan’s Romeo and Juliet.
William Shakespeare’s tragic and passionate narrative comes to life in this epic production featuring a stunning design by Paul Andrews recreating the grandeur and heat of Verona with gargantuan pillars and Italian architectural style.
A cast of over fifty dancers execute Macmillan’s esteemed choreography, from the balcony scene’s romantic, ecstatic pas de deux to large-scale fight scenes and the lovers’ heart breaking end.
The spectacle is accompanied by Prokofiev’s instantly recognisable score, played live at every performance by the sixty musicians that make up the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
Separated by feuding families, Romeo and Juliet embark on a passionate yet fatally doomed love affair in a story that has captured the hearts of theatregoers for hundreds of years.
As part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to involving audiences in the creative process, ahead of Friday evening’s performance (1 Apr) audience members are invited to join a select panel of some of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s most influential creative forces as they discuss life as part of a world-renowned ballet company. The event is free for ticket holders.
On Saturday morning (2 Apr) members of the public are then invited behind closed doors as the Company of dancers open up their daily class. This is a rare and fascinating opportunity to take a peek behind the scenes to witness the preparation and dedication needed to be part of the UK’s leading touring classical ballet company. Also on Saturday, families attending the matinee performance are invited to arrive at the theatre from 12.30pm for a host of activities, games and insights as part of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Family Fun Day.
www.brb.org.uk/romeo
Birmingham Royal Ballet: Romeo and Juliet
Theatre Royal Nottingham
30 March – 2 April 2016
Tickets: £16 – £38.50 plus concessions
Wed-Sat eves 7.30pm, Thu mat 2pm, Sat mat 2.30pm
Box Office: 0115 989 5555
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