The Car Man
Even if you haven’t seen it, the Opera Carmen is known across the world, pretty much everyone has at least heard of it and you will most definitely know the music, even if you don’t know that you do!
Instead of Spain in the 19th century, where the original novel was set, Bourne transports the story to 1950’s Mid-West America. It’s a scorching summer and the small town of Harmony sees the arrival of a handsome and mysterious stranger. The dreams and passions of the town’s residence, fuelled by the desire for change and each other, drives them in to greed, lust, and betrayal.
As audiences have come to expect from Bournes work, the sets are sublime, the costumes beautifully designed (both by Lez Brotherston) and the staging and movement have a delightfully easy flow to them, with a hint of humour hidden amongst it all. The lighting design (Chris Davey) carries the audience to the sultriness of the genre and of its setting.
Will Bozier plays Luca, the enigmatic stranger in town. He moves with a wonderful strength and leaves most of the audience weak at the knees, never mind the beautiful Lana who has sparked his interests, played by Ashley Shaw. The two together give a smoking hot performance.
Kurumi Kamayachi delightfully portrays Rita, the characters naivety is wonderfully apparent as she interacts with Angelo, played by Leonardo McCorkindale, whose performance is outstanding. To see the build of his characters vulnerability to the point where his vengeance is all he can think about is seamlessly shown and wonderful to see.
Bourne’s choreography and direction never fails to please, aesthetically it is exquisite and his narration through dance is pure warmth for the soul. It is a delightful evening, even if people are getting killed!
Teamed with Terry Davies’ music, featuring Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite, the movement and the sound are thrilling from start to finish. It is easy to see this production as a new stand-alone version of a tragic yet classic story, but it is also so much more. It has a relevance and an attraction that could never be missed, and you would be hard pressed not to be touched by the characters struggles.
This show was reviewed on the 13th October 2026 at the Birmingham Hippodrome where it runs until the 17th October 2026. Tickets available here: Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man – Birmingham Hippodrome
Full tour details here: The Car Man | New Adventures
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
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Photo credit : Johan Persson
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