Since 2002 when this unique choreographer and director set up his contemporary ballet company, New Adventures, he has made dance accessible to people from all walks of life with his unusual and often humorous style.
“The Red Shoes” began life as a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, but is probably best remembered for Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1948 classic movie starring ballet star Moira Shearer in the leading role as Victoria Page.
It is a tale of a tragic heroine who in true theatrical style takes over the role of an injured prima ballerina, only to be lured by a pair of red dance shoes which once on, compel the wearer to dance forever.
Such fantasy and drama has proved the perfect vehicle for Sir Matthew’s work and the results are stunning.
His ability to blend fairy tales and real life seamlessly together, meaning that the audience retains a grasp on reality, but is still enchanted, is effortless.
To describe this production as a visual spectacle is an injustice, because the modern, edgy look of certain scenes in contrast with the luxurious, sumptuous appearance of others ensure that every moment is a feast for the eyes.
Lez Brotherston’s outstanding and highly technical scenery transports you everywhere; from Covent Garden, to Paris, to glamorous Monte Carlo and Villefranche Sur Mer, a French beach scene so authentic you can feel the sea breeze and the sand between your toes.
This gentleman also designed the remarkable costumes for the piece, which were beautifully tailored,with pleating, lace, velvet and glamour for the ladies and smart evening wear and casual yet suave day wear for the men, all completely authentic for the era.
Paulette Constable’s atmospheric lighting effects were another technical highlight, particularly in the haunting Concerto Macabre with black, eerie projections of a storm with whirling leaves in a graveyard and an aura of death.
The converted role of Victoria Page was danced by Cordelia Braithwaite, who offered a technically perfect, yet delicate and emotional performance of the heroine.
It is evident that this is a highly demanding role to dance, not only physically but also mentally as the dramatic aspects of her plight are dark and sinister, yet this indefatigable performer delighted at her every entrance.
Reece Causton as ballet impresario Boris Lermontov brought strength and dramatic prowess to his role, while Katrina Lyndon displays outstanding classical technique as the Prima Ballerina Irina Boronskaya.
Leonardo McCorkindale as the young composer Julian Craster delivered a stunning contemporary dance solo in Act One and his duet moments with Cordelia Braithwaite were highly memorable for the romance and passion the dancers portrayed as a couple.
Their duet in the bedsit portrayed such sadness, simply through dance rather than the spoken word, it moved the audience to tears.
The New Adventures company as a whole is clearly an incredibly close-knit, intuitive and versatile group of performers, as the tour sees them share and swop roles as they go, such is their degree of technical ability and pure talent.
The comedic moments in the ballet are amusing yet subtle and genteel. That said I never felt the need to suppress my urge to laugh freely which was just as well given the hilarious moment in Act Two, courtesy of a comical sand dance, and two has-been showgirls complete with ciggies, sequins and feathers, set in an East End music hall.
I am a huge advocate of all forms of ballet, but if you have ever been tempted to go and watch, but were too unsure to try a classical production of “Swan Lake” or “Romeo and Juliet” for fear of ignorance or dare I say it, boredom, any of Sir Matthew’s works are the perfect way to dip your toe into the incredible world of dance.
Entertaining and humorous, yet at the same time an incredible display of the art form by a young and indescribably talented company of dancers, “The Red Shoes” is an elegant, polished piece of theatre but with a depth of emotion and drama which make it totally unique and completely unforgettable.
Runs until March 21. Visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0121 689 3000 to book.
Review rating: FIVE STARS *****
6. Contributed
The dramatic moments in the ballet are simply outstanding. Photo: Submitted