Romeo & Juliet

The evening presents a celebrated interpretation of Sergei Prokofiev’s score, a work known for its cinematic scale and atmospheric weight. You will hear the familiar, heavy brass and driving percussion of the Capulet family theme, which provides a dark contrast to the lyrical, soaring woodwind motifs representing the young lovers. The choreography by Rudolf Nureyev avoids delicate abstraction, opting instead for a gritty and realistic portrayal of street violence and private grief. We suggest you listen for how the music shifts from the formal, rigid structures of the ballroom scenes to the frantic, dissonant energy of the public duels. The movement is designed to reflect the raw emotion of the narrative, using the full company to create a sense of a bustling, dangerous city where small actions lead to significant consequences. It is a substantial programme that balances the technical demands of classical ballet with a powerful theatrical drive.

English National Ballet performs this production, bringing their full company to the stage. Based in London, this ensemble is recognised for delivering large-scale classical works alongside contemporary commissions. They have a long association with this particular version of the tragedy, which is noted for its physical intensity and narrative depth. The company is known for maintaining a high standard of technical precision while focusing on the accessibility of their storytelling. You will see the breadth of their talent across both the principal roles and the extensive ensemble scenes that define this production's atmosphere.

This performance takes place at the London Coliseum, a venue well-suited to the grand scale of this production. The total running time is 175 minutes, which includes intervals, making it a significant commitment for an evening out. Given the clear narrative and familiar plot, we find this an excellent choice if you are new to ballet or if you enjoy high-stakes theatrical drama. As a dance performance, there is no spoken dialogue to follow. We recommend arriving in time to be seated before the first act, as the cinematic score begins with immediate impact.