Now at Sadlers Wells until August 29th, The Car Man is billed as Bizet’s Carmen re-imagined, but it stands on its own in a league of its own. It’s brilliant.
This story of employees at a greasy garage in the small town of Harmony was first brought to life in 2000, and the show last appeared at The Royal Albert Hall in 2022 in a stage that was perhaps a bit too big for the show. But at Sadlers Wells in Angel it has found its way back home. The monochrome set easily transforms first as garage and then a jail, Dino’s Diner and eventually a bar lounge. The dancers all own their roles, their young lithe bodies beautifully intertwining with each other seamlessly. The lighting is subtle and subdued, and the music perfectly blends in.
The show, appropriately billed as ‘dance noir,’ literally ropes you in in the first five minutes where we get to see about a half dozen men take their clothes off to shower – and the intrigue and drama and sexiness continues. Blending in romance, violence, and skin – the show is nod to the dark and erotic film noirs of the 1950’s and 1960’s.
As the stranger who arrives into town and upends everyone’s life – Will Bozier on the night I saw it – is fantastic, as is the ingenue which was beautifully performed by Ashley Shaw. Sir Matthew Bourne has created a show that is thrilling from the beginning all the way to the compelling climax. The Car Man is an instant classic. It is sexy, sultry and sensational.
For tickets, please go to: www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/matthew-bournes-new-adventures-the-car-man/