Ian Waller witnesses a work of genius, combining exquisite dance and first class story telling
If it’s a Matthew Bourne production, the very likely chances are that it’s going to be amazing. The Midnight Bell, now playing at the Theatre Royal in Bath, is no exception.
Inspired by the novels of Patrick Hamilton – best known for his plays Rope and Gaslight – and set in 1930s London at a tavern that is the haunt of a group of individuals all seeking love – or at least their contrasting notions of love – The Midnight Bell offers a harmony of back stories that twist and turn their way through the production, chasing and tripping over each other along the way.
And throughout it all is host of characters who love, loathe, put up with and destroy each other, with their stories given a beauty of movement and telling that only Matthew Bourne can create.
Among the stories is Bob, the waiter who is infatuated with Jenny, the young prostitute; Ernest, the cad of the worst type who is playing both Miss Roach for her affections and cash, and Netta, the actress, probably just for the hell of it; Ella the barmaid and Mr Eccles, her much older would-be suitor; and Frank and Albert, risking so much for a forbidden type of love in pre-war London.
The genius here is way that Bourne intertwines both the stories and the choreography, with each performance beautifully performed with a precision of timing and supreme level of characterisation so as to make the whole absolutely beguiling. The performers are just incredible, so skilled in movement and storytelling, combining a stunning physicality with real heartfelt emotion.
And then there’s that’s one of the clear aspects of a Bourne piece – there’s always so much going on, with the different stories bumping into each other and each character seizing the attention of the audience even though there is always so much more taking place.
From the stalls to the circles, you can’t help but feel involved, desperate to spring onto the stage and hug or chastise the characters, while instead you can only watch as they struggle with their experience of this thing called love.
Throughout Terry Davies’ original score is perfect accompaniment, with scratchy recordings of old songs popping up to provide period nuance and vibe, as well as support for the story.
I can’t speak highly enough of this wonderful, clever, beautiful production. Book your tickets now or you’ll miss out on a real treat.
Matthew Bourne’sThe Midnight Bell appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th May. To book tickets contact the Theatre Royal Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit theatreroyal.org.uk
