Car Man

Curve Leicester

*****

“Full speed energy and full of heart”

The Bizet score is instantly recognisable, as is the full throttle energy of a New Adventures production in the hands of Matthew Bourne. The Spanish tobacco setting is now a US country diner and adjacent garage. The sleepy surrounds are loudly shattered by the arrival of Luca a broody traveler in search of a job. And then the spiral begins, intrigue, betrayal, love, lust revenge and greed. The full works all embraced with passion and an unstoppable pace. It is a dramatic romance like no other.

The production first premiered in 2000 and it has lost none of its edge and thrill. The storytelling is crystal clear, and the plot unfolds with enviable ease, thanks mainly to the entertaining choreography which is continually watchable. And of course, the dancing from an extremely hard-working company is amazing.

Harrison Dowzell as Luca and Ashley Shaw as Lana as his love interest bring the passion and the danger while the hired help Angelo and his girlfriend Rita bring the heart. Indeed, Leonardo McCorkindale as Angelo and Anna-Maria De Freitas as Rita are the heart and soul of the show, a magnetic partnership full of innocence and treachery in equal measure.

A full speed sensation, not to be missed.

David Robinson