Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man
Directed & Choreographed by Matthew Bourne
Music by Terry Davies & Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite (after Bizet’s Carmen)
Nottingham Theatre Royal (Touring)
Tues 22nd Sept – Sat 26th Sept 2026
Even as we take to our seats, The Car Man begins to subvert expectations. There is no raising of the curtain as performers coast on and off the stage setting the scene for this epic ‘dance thriller.’ Based on Bizet’s Carmen (with echoes of both The Postman Always Rings Twice and Macbeth), the action takes place in the small, mid-western American town of Harmony.
‘Dino’s Diner’ is advertising for a man and fate intervenes in the form of drifter, Luca (the terrific Harrison Dowzell). He becomes a catalyst for the action, upending the lives of Dino (Adam Galbraith), his wife Lana (Ashley Shaw), her sister Rita (Anna-Maria de Freitas) and the young, hired help Angelo (Leonardo McCorkindale).
What follows is a masterpiece of murder and revenge; a cautionary tale of illicit passion. This is ballet with bite – sexy, sultry and deliciously salacious in places.
An adaptable set designed by Lez Brotherston operates on split levels, allowing characters to traverse the stage vertically. A garage diner, night club and prison all appear seamlessly and feel convincingly 1960’s. This multi-layered approach works in perfect unison with Bourne’s riveting choreography and storytelling. What I love about New Adventures is the accessibility. You do not need to be a dance expert to appreciate what’s on show. Everything works in perfect unison to provide a memorable evening’s entertainment.
Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite (after Bizet’s Carmen) with additional score by Terry Davies is fused with elements of contemporary dance, classical ballet, flamenco flair and even a touch of Fosse. The result is cinematic in scope. Lighting by Chris Davey and Sound by Paul Groothuis enhance this effect, making the heat and (sexual) tension palpable and pulsating.
Couples dance together in a kaleidoscopic fashion meaning everywhere we look is a point of interest. Full credit to the tireless ensemble who never wane. De Freitas and McCorkindale initially provide a sweet counterpoint to the raw sexuality on display. Nevertheless, as trouble brews, their love is tested. We head inexorably towards tragedy knowing there will be casualties along the way.
First performed in 2000, The Car Man shows no sign of age. It still feels relevant, provocative and deserving of big audiences. The billboard in the final scene exhorts us to ‘come back soon.’ There will be many who will do just that, and I include myself amongst their number.
Age Guidance: 15+
(Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+)
Show warnings: the production contains scenes of a sexual nature – including sexual assault, brief male nudity (frontal), smoking, strobe lighting, haze and gunshots. There are also scenes of a violent nature that include blood.
Running Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (including 25-minute interval)
