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Get tips on theatre and art from other Mumsnetters on our Culture forum.

Culture vultures

Matthew Bourne's Romeo & Juliet with DC

15 replies

BlowDryRat · 09/09/2023 12:40

I'm going to see it with DH and the DC later on today. I have to admit, I didn't really look into it much and didn't realise it was reimagined as set in a mental hospital. I just thought it would be good for DS as he's studying the play this year He's furious BTW - 13yo and has far better things to do than go to the ballet with his mum!

Has anyone seen it? Will it be ok for the kids (13 and 10) or will it be an expensive "leave at the interval" experience?

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EtiennePalmiere · 09/09/2023 12:58

Hi OP, I've seen it and what dancing there is (not much) is more contemporary, the dancers don't even have pointe shoes. The setting is somewhat vague, more of a borstal. I do think 10 yrs old might be a little young actually but don't see why a 13 yr wouldn't like it.

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BrianBettyGrable · 09/09/2023 13:00

I saw it alone and really enjoyed it. The suggested age rating from Sadlers Wells is 14+ I think, but I think my 12 year old would have enjoyed it and not been upset by it.
I'd say the disclaimer on the website is fair:

'The production contains scenes of a disturbing and a sexual nature, including stabbing and strangulation.'

All kids are different, so I can't say how your kids will find it, but the 10 year old may be a bit young for the themes and the graphic nature of one particular scene (trying to avoid spoilers!)

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BlowDryRat · 09/09/2023 13:09

Oh dear, ok. I can always take DD out if it's a bit much. She's into a gory phase though so hopefully it'll be alright.

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RainBow725 · 09/09/2023 13:10

I've seen it twice and in general I would say that MB ballets are not really suitable for kids. I don't think that age group would find this one particularly disturbing but they may not enjoy it that much. It is funny in places though!

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BlowDryRat · 09/09/2023 15:41

We're at the interval. DD is fine. DS finished his chocolate buttons and fell asleep I wouldn't recommend it for kids, but it's not been so horrific that I won't take them back in for the second half.

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IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 09/09/2023 16:40

Intesrerybf @BlowDryRat
We're going on about 4 weeks - dm insisted that I book for her, and asked the they wanted to come. Both did.

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BlowDryRat · 09/09/2023 17:16

How old are your @IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads? Hopefully they appreciate it more than mine did!

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donkra · 09/09/2023 17:18

It's not gory, but there are definitely adult themes - although I imagine many would go over the head of a younger child anyway. It's an amazing production though - I really liked it, particularly the way the central couple were reimagined, with Juliet the strong one and Romeo the goofy innocent.

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KezzaMucklowe · 09/09/2023 17:19

I went in 2019 and loved it. I didn't take my dc though not that it would have phased them. I am taking them to see Edward scissorhands at Christmas.

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KezzaMucklowe · 09/09/2023 17:19

Yes, I liked this.

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JayAlfredPrufrock · 09/09/2023 17:22

It’s quite brutal. A rape scene. Typical Bourne

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Thatsmorethanhalf · 09/09/2023 17:39

Bourne's Swan Lake would be great for adolescents, but I understand the desire to link with study. The Baz Luhrmann film is good if you rent films online. Much cheaper too.

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Frankley · 09/09/2023 17:39

I have seen other productions of the ballet Romeo and Juliet a few times. This one is not at all the Shakespeare story.
I enjoyed it but not at all as Romeo and Juliet.
No point at all taking children who have studied the play. But l do think children who know the story would enjoy the 'traditional ' one.

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Thatsmorethanhalf · 09/09/2023 17:41

Just realised I am late to the party on this thread. Hope you enjoyed it

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BlowDryRat · 09/09/2023 18:50

I'd never seen a Bourne adaptation before so just knew about the all-male cast in Swan Lake. That didn't seem in any way unsuitable, but I live and learn!

The rape scene went over the DC's heads. The after-party orgy certainly didn't and DD has been complaining all evening that the whole thing was "completely inappropriate". DS was asleep by then. £220 well spent 🙄At least I enjoyed it! I thought the asylum setting was a good modern day parallel with the lack of autonomy high born medieval women would have had.

DH and I watched the Baz Luhrmann film with DS a couple of months ago. One of my favourite films. There's no pleasing DS at the moment (unless you offer him food, money or football), but he's mentioned it a couple of times since so he's retained something.