Romeo & Juliet

You will hear Sergei Prokofiev’s substantial score, a work noted for its cinematic scale and rhythmic urgency. The music moves between the heavy, discordant themes associated with the feuding families and the delicate, soaring passages that follow the young couple. Under Rudolf Nureyev’s choreography, the performance focuses on the dark, visceral reality of a city divided by violence rather than a soft-focus romance. You should listen for the distinctive 'Dance of the Knights' early in the evening, with its menacing brass and driving bass, which sets the tone for the political grit that follows. The evening is shaped into three acts that follow the trajectory of the tragedy, using the full company to fill the stage during expansive street brawls and public festivities. The tension is maintained through the score’s use of leitmotifs, where specific musical phrases return to signal the inevitable approach of the finale.

English National Ballet is one of the United Kingdom’s flagship dance companies, known for bringing high-quality classical and contemporary productions to a wide audience. Based in London, they frequently perform at major venues across the capital and the country. The company is recognised for maintaining the legacy of Rudolf Nureyev, whose demanding and intricate choreography remains a staple of their repertoire. You will see the full company in action, showcasing the technical precision and dramatic range required to execute this specific version of the Prokofiev tragedy, which demands significant stamina from every dancer on stage.

This performance takes place at the London Coliseum, a historic and grand venue in the heart of the West End. The production has a running time of 175 minutes, which includes intervals, so we recommend you plan for a full evening at the theatre. While there is no specific dress code, most patrons choose smart-casual attire. Given the length and the complex nature of the narrative, this may be a significant undertaking for very young children, but it is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys high-stakes drama and powerful orchestral music.