The Red Hot Red
Shoes
I was thoroughly excited to see the long awaited production
of ‘The Red Shoes’ from the brilliant mind of Matthew Bourne and his army of super
humans, New Adventures. Famous for putting a modern twist on classic tales,
this innovative company’s’ previous repertoire includes; Swan Lake (featuring
male swans and a gay prince), Nutcracker (set in an orphanage), Edward Scissor
Hands (an all dancing Edward), Dorian Grey (now a famous perfume model),
Sleeping Beauty (featuring vampires) and Cinderella (during the Second World
War).
Having seen the film (and in all honesty finding it a little
dull), I was unsure what to expect from this production. My feelings were perhaps down to the
generic storyline given the era and the limitations of cinematography in the
late 1930s. We see a tale of a young aspiring dancer who dreams of making it
big, upon joining a Ballet company she falls in love and is sadly torn between the conflicting
pressures of career and romance, needless to say she struggles to resolve this
sticky dilemma….
However, this adaptation was a satirical and light hearted take on the film, I can’t help but feel some audience members perhaps took it a little too seriously. It poked fun at the era and those typical eccentric characters you often come across in the dance world. I especially enjoyed the subtle gags aimed at dancers and fanatics among the audience, in particular the dancer practising a combination in his underpants whilst enjoying a cigarette! (We’ve all been there).
However, this adaptation was a satirical and light hearted take on the film, I can’t help but feel some audience members perhaps took it a little too seriously. It poked fun at the era and those typical eccentric characters you often come across in the dance world. I especially enjoyed the subtle gags aimed at dancers and fanatics among the audience, in particular the dancer practising a combination in his underpants whilst enjoying a cigarette! (We’ve all been there).
The technique and style of the 1930s was emulated within the
choreography, less turn out from the hips, lower leg extensions, at this time
Ballet was more about acting a story through graceful movement than a showy display of
multiple pirouettes and a 180 split penche. Brimming with Bourne’s signature
style that I so love, it was animated, comical and larger than life. If you
mixed Monty Python with a Carry On film, combine impeccable dancing and throw
in a dreamy musical score then this would be the product. So I’m glad to say my
beloved Mr Bourne didn’t disappoint and I cannot wait for his next work of
genius. New Adventures’ productions stay with you long after leaving the theatre
and when I think about The Red Shoes I am transported back to this insane world
of comedy, passion and beauty, I can’t help but smile.
