THE ultimate love story was given the ultimate treatment last night in a simply stunning production of this Shakespearian classic.

It's a rare thing to see we "grown-ups" brushing away tears, but there were more than one or two people groping for their tissues last night as this searing tragedy drew to its painful end.

Such an emotional response can only be down to the vibrant, lusty interpretation of this script by the predominantly young members of The Northern Ballet which richly deserves the accolade of being one of today's most highly regarded dance companies.

At times, the production was bordering on the laddish, particular praise here for Omar Gordon who played Benvolio with all the Friday-night cheek, charm and downright confidence of a man born to party.

However that the glory belongs to Denis Malinkine -Romeo and Jayne Regan-Juliet.

Passionate, often sexy, never dull, the two principal dancers were a delight to behold and I inwardly wept at their impending fate.

This was an all-round magical production with vibrance and character. A set was totally in keeping with the time and marvellously imaginative. The costumes were vibrant, lusty and saucily tempting.

Ballet mistress and choreologist Pat Durham deserves fulsome praise for all she's, apparently flawlessly, achieved and the musical direction of John Pryce Jones who worked Prokofiev's score to perfection should not go un-noticed.

If only to taste the wonders of modern ballet and appreciate its universal appeal you ought to see Rome and Juliet. The fact that it's a sheer delight is more than an added bonus. Angela Warhurst

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