Whether you’re a Shakespeare aficionado or new to the story, Romeo and Juliet will move you to tears with its tale of love and heartbreak told by one of the best ballet companies currently touring the UK.
Romeo and Juliet is a ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play, brought to the Edinburgh Playhouse and venues across the UK by the renowned Varna International Ballet. Although there are no spoken lines as one knows to expect from a ballet, the dancers use expressive body language to convey the romantic and tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet.
Shakespeare’s tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy is brought to life by Prokofiev’s soaring score, set in bustling Renaissance Verona and with an emotionally charged choreography that befits the world’s greatest love story. Varna International Ballet, under the artistic direction of Daniela Dimova and the musical direction of Peter Tuleshkov, masterfully captures the essence of this timeless masterpiece with its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet.
The plot of this ballet is derived from Shakespeare’s play of the same name. This adaptation emphasises Romeo’s love at first sight for Juliet and his romantic pursuit of winning her affection, while omitting certain subplots involving supporting characters. Such an adaptation is well-suited to ballet, as it allows the audience to focus more on the technical aspects of the performance rather than becoming too absorbed in the intricacies of the plot. However, the lack of sufficient exposition regarding Tybalt and Mercutio may leave the audience somewhat confused during the first half.
The first half of the ballet centres on Romeo’s chance encounter with Juliet at a ball, where they fall in love at first sight and sneak around the party together. The second half shifts focus to Romeo’s accidental killing of Tybalt, yet Juliet continues to believe in his love, leading to the classic ending we all know. While the story is ultimately tragic, the numerous light-hearted and joyful scenes in the first half contrast sharply with the darker themes of death in the latter half, prompting the audience to reflect more deeply on the nature of cruel fate.
The cast demonstrated exceptional ballet skills, excelling in both group dances and the solo performances of the main characters. Mercutio, in particular, was portrayed as playful and witty, adding a touch of comedy to an otherwise heavy tragic story. Romeo’s character is multi-faceted, displaying loyalty in his pursuit of love, bravery in defending his friends, and innocence as he blends into the party simply to catch a glimpse of Juliet.
There are also some unexpected elements in the production. In addition to classic ballet movements, elements of modern dance are incorporated, particularly in the scene where the two families engage in conflict. This fusion of styles enhances the portrayal of the story’s themes. Musically, the inclusion of the tambourine contributes to the overall atmosphere, and its distinctive sound, rarely heard in such performances, provides a delightful surprise for the audience.
Founded in 1947, Varna International Ballet has been delighting audiences for decades at home and abroad with performances of the highest quality. The company returns to the UK following a breathtaking 23/24 tour and will present stunning performances of Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet in 2025. From the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers’ balcony, this star-crossed story of duels, bitter family feuds and love that cannot be, is unmissable.
Overall, this adaptation of Romeo and Juliet offers a compelling blend of classical ballet and contemporary influences, delivering a visually and emotionally engaging experience.
Check tour dates here – pirouetting across the UK until 4th March 2025.