Two households, both alike in dignity is where the story of Romeo and Juliet begins. A tale written by the Bard about star crossed lovers and their untimely fate is a story that has transcended across stages, screens, and novels to entertain audiences across the world. In fact, in recent times there has been a musical, a play, and now a ballet to enthral. And whilst this tale may be told countless times, it still is a tale that never grows old. 

The ballet powerhouses at Northern Ballet have reignited their rendition of this Shakespeare tale. Having lost most of the set and costuming to a flood in the early 90's, they have worked tirelessly to restore this timeless classic to it's former glory and allow it to capture the hearts of audience's again. 

Whilst the cult 1990 classic Tim Burton film Edward Scissorhands might not be the most obvious choice for a ballet, Matthew Bourne has yet again worked his magic to create something quite wonderful and special. Originally on stage in 2005, this production is back on tour and leaving audiences in love with the tale of the boy that has scissors for hands. 

As a young teen obsessed with anything Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands was a film that had a special place in my slightly odd, emo heart. To see it adapted from the screen into a Matthew Bourne ballet was nothing short of perfection and truly transported me into the world of a much loved tale. 

 The story of Don Quixote is one that I can be honest and say I have never heard of. The tale of Don Quixote and his hapless assistant Sancho Panza as they head off on a wild Spanish adventure and meet Kitri and Basilio, young lovers who are forced apart by class and greed. 

The absolutely brilliant Birmingham Royal Ballet took this story and danced. Alongside direction from the utterly brilliant Carlos Acosta, you are immersed in a world of Spanish ballet mixed with beautiful orchestrations and staging that will leave you in awe of its beauty. It is everything you would want and more in a ballet and I felt so fortunate to be invited along to review it at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.