Romeo and Juliet, performed by the incredibly talented Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers is at Birmingham Hippodrome until October 9th 2021.
We headed along yesterday afternoon to see the first performance by Beatrice Parma dancing the role of Juliet and Mathias Dingman as Romeo. And what a performance it was. An absolutely stunning and beautiful ballet. With breath-taking choreography from Kenneth MacMillan, Clever, eye catching and stunning set designs by Paul Andrews, complimented by the lighting from John B. Read. All performed alongside music by Sergei Prokofiev played by the incredibly talented Royal Ballet Sinfonia (Conducted by Philip Ellis) it was a performance of beauty, passion and pure talent. Dramatic and thrilling. Mesmerising from start to finish.
Seeing the ballet return to Birmingham Hippodrome was the cherry on the top. It makes the whole ballet experience perfect and I am so glad BRB are back in their home.
The ballet stayed true to the Romeo and Juliet story. Full of love, passion, fights between the Montagues and the Capulets, death and heartbreak. Each scene captivating you further, drawing you into the story and although you know what will happen, you almost watch hoping for a different ending. Those two star-crossed lovers surely deserve a happy ending not the devastating final crypt scene that we watch play out.
Beatrice Parma plays a very believable young teenager with her small frame. Her movements, strength and expressiveness in the role of Juliet demonstrated not just her ability to be an outstanding dancer but a powerful actress too. A flawless performance that I am thankful to have seen. Beatrice’s en pointe work was truly spectacular and the balcony pas de deux scene was elegant and beautiful in equal forces. Beatrice is complimented by BRB’s choice of Romeo – Mathias Dingman.
Perfectly matched in their roles. Mathias oozes confidence on the stage, he moves around performing technical moves in a manner that makes it all look effortless, a true skill in itself. He makes a perfect Romeo. The duet with Juliet’s lifeless body in the family crypt was outstanding. Such perfect movement, strength, stance and a scene I could watch being performed over and over again.
A truly stunning ballet and a perfect one to be chosen as the return to the stage at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Special mentions also go to Gus Payne for his role as Mercutio. His death scene at the market place was performed impeccably. Each movement perfectly in time with the dramatic score being played. And the remaining dancers as everyone shone in this performance.
A must see!
Why not visit The Pineapple Club before your performance to try out their new cocktail in collaboration with Birmingham Royal Ballet. The cocktail is called ‘The Last Sip’ and includes flavours of Violet, Lavender, Raspberry, Citrus and Prosecco – created in house by talented bar manager Klara Kopcikova and is available until 16th October 2021.
For more details and to book tickets, click HERE.
Disclaimer: I was invited along to watch the ballet as part of a collaboration between The Pineapple Club and Birmingham Royal Ballet. All thoughts and opinion are entirely my own. Photographs were provided by BRB and were taken by the very talented Bill Cooper.