Tonight this wide-ranging packed audience at the Empire theatre in Liverpool experienced a most incredible outstanding performance by the English National Ballet, of which many of its performers here tonight are from all around the world.
Originally this gorgeous production of Romeo &Juliet was created and choreographed by the acclaimed ballet master Rudolf Nureyev for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, and possibly one of the greatest love stories ever told was brought alive once again here tonight.
It was a real spectacle of exhilarating dance accompanied by a soaring musical composition which captivated our senses, a feast for the eyes and ears with a magnificent and emotionally charged wide reaching musical composition, written by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev, so beautifully performed by the English National Ballet Philharmonic Orchestra.
How magically this ballet and music cleverly portrayed this poignant love story from a young couples first glance, irresistible attraction, wooing, rejection, masked disguises, all-consuming passion, simmering family hatred and duels, blossoming romance and love, to their heart-wrenching final embrace. Credit must be given to all involved from artistic director Aaron S. Watkin, music director and conductor Maria Seletskaja, the performing cast, set designer Ezio Frigerio, and costume designers Ezio Frigerio & Franca Squarciapino, and lighting design Tharon Musser for all their effort in creating this wonderful performance. I must also give credit to the many other supporting artists actors and dancers and stagers who took part in creating tonight’s performance.
The curtain arose to reveal a wonderful backdrop set in the renaissance era and city of Verona Italy, with pretty little market stalls displaying their wares of fruit, flowers, vegetables and breads where the two families the Montagues and Capulets reside.
Romeo Montague and his family wore beautiful pastel and striking Verdigris hues of green and blue costumes whilst Juliet Capulet and her family wore pastel pinks and vibrant rich, crimson-coloured costumes to distinguish between the two bitter feuding families on stage.
There were many beautiful set changes throughout to help portray the story as it unfolds and the music alters ranging from just delicate violins to a full-on orchestra whilst performing the unforgettable ‘Dance of the Knights.’
My favourite part of the whole production was scene 5, The Capulets Garden, where Juliet comes out into the garden and Romeo emerges and they pledge their love for each other. The dancing and music during this scene I thought was exquisite.
What a superbly electrifying performance we were lucky to witness, a wonderful evening was certainly had by everyone, and I recommend you see it for yourself. The ballet changes its cast members at each performance, and tonight the main cast members were:
Aitor Arrieta Romeo
Emma Hawes Juliet
James Streeter Tybalt
Gustavo Carvalho Mercutio
Lorenzo Trossello Benvolio
Eireen Evrard Lady Capulet
Fabian Reimair Lord Capulet
Skyler Martin Paris
Anna Nevzorova Rosaline
The English National Ballet are on tour until 24 th January 2027, for further information check out their website. www.ballet.org.uk/production/romeo-juliet/
Reviewer: Jill Ollerton
On: 16/10/26
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