Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been interpreted countless times, but English National Ballet offers a particularly elegant retelling of the timeless tragedy at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, bringing the familiar story to life through the expressive power of dance.
With intricate choreography, sophisticated costumes and Sergei Prokofiev’s orchestral score, the production relies entirely on movement, music and visual storytelling to communicate the emotions and complexities of Shakespeare’s characters.
As someone experiencing ballet for the first time, I was curious to see how a story so often associated with its dialogue would translate to the stage without a single word being spoken. And while it took some time to fully appreciate this different form of storytelling, there was plenty to admire.
Rentaro Nakaaki and Julia Conway are captivating as Romeo and Juliet. Even without an extensive knowledge of ballet, the extraordinary technical ability required for these roles is immediately apparent.
Their chemistry is particularly impressive. There’s an intimacy and tenderness to their performances that feels entirely natural, with the smallest gestures often communicating just as much as the more elaborate choreography. Together, they capture the intensity of the young lovers’ relationship with remarkable elegance.
While the production is understandably rooted in tragedy, moments of humour emerge throughout, bringing a welcome contrast to the more emotional scenes. Noam Durand is especially enjoyable as Mercutio, whose wit and playful personality translate wonderfully through dance. His expressive performance brings a different energy to the stage, demonstrating how effectively ballet can communicate character and personality without dialogue.
One of the production’s most interesting storytelling choices comes during the scene between Juliet and Friar Lawrence (James Streeter), as they devise the plan involving the sleeping potion. Rather than simply allowing the narrative to unfold chronologically, the scene offers a glimpse into the events that are yet to come. These moments are subsequently revisited as the story progresses, with the choreography gracefully recreating what the audience has already witnessed. It’s a clever approach that adds another dimension to the storytelling and demonstrates impressive attention to detail.
An elegant production
The visual presentation is equally impressive. Ezio Frigerio’s set design and Franca Squarciapino’s costumes establish a sophisticated world that complements the elegance of the choreography. The costumes are mesmerising and play an important role in bringing the characters and their surroundings to life. Combined with the lighting and staging, they contribute to a production where every visual element feels carefully considered.
Experiencing ballet for the first time
Despite the undeniable talent on display, I did find the opening act somewhat challenging.
Prokofiev’s score is sophisticated and beautifully performed, often creating a soothing atmosphere that complements the graceful movements on stage. However, there were moments when I wished the music offered a little more energy at times. Particularly during the lengthy first act, the combination of gentle orchestration and a slower pace occasionally made it difficult to remain fully engaged.
That said, my appreciation of the production grew considerably throughout the second and third acts. As I became more familiar with the characters and the way their emotions were communicated through movement, I found myself increasingly invested in the unfolding tragedy. Having a programme to follow was also incredibly helpful, providing additional context that made certain scenes and relationships easier to understand.
And I think that’s an important consideration for anyone approaching ballet for the first time. While those already familiar with the art form, or particularly passionate about Romeo and Juliet, may find themselves captivated throughout, newcomers without that familiarity could struggle with some of the slower passages.
Nevertheless, there’s something rewarding about gradually learning to appreciate an unfamiliar form of theatre. By the final act, I had developed a much greater understanding of how dance could communicate the emotional weight of such a well-known story.
Final thoughts
English National Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet is a beautiful production that demonstrates the extraordinary skill and artistry involved in bringing Shakespeare’s tragedy to life through dance.
While the slower pacing may prove challenging for newcomers, particularly during the first act, the production becomes increasingly rewarding as the story unfolds. For my first experience of ballet, it was certainly an interesting introduction to an art form I hadn’t previously explored.
English National Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet is running at the Palace Theatre until 25 October 2026. Book your tickets now.
**Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review
Kelsey Haslam is the founding editor of Magenta Adventures Travel Publication and a freelance travel writer with a focus on community-based travel, culture-led experiences, and theatre tourism. She is passionate about spotlighting lesser-known destinations and connecting travellers with meaningful, human-centred stories.
Her published work includes destination features and luxury hotel reviews for leading travel outlets such as A Luxury Travel Blog, Beau Monde Traveler, and Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
Explore more about Kelsey’s background on the About Page.
