Matthew Bourne’s adaptation of William Goulding’s classic novel, Lord of the Flies, had its Scottish premiere in Inverness last night – and went down a storm.
Alongside eight professional dancers, the show features more than a dozen local lads, most of whom have temporarily swapped their football and rugby boots, to take to the stage for the first time.
With only a few weeks on intensive training under their belts, the fledgling dancers showed little nerves as they joined the professionals in this physically demanding show and can take great pride in giving 100% effort.
At times, in some of the larger set pieces, it was difficult to tell which lads were novices, but the sheer skill of movement in some of the more individual pieces left you in no doubt these were skilled professionals the audience, which included Matthew Bourne, were watching.
Despite being 60 years old, Golding’s book remains chilling and Bourne’s gripping interpretation has plenty of edge and scenes which are, at times, are uncomfortable to watch and make it bit of a white-knuckle ride.
As mob mentality takes hold, the speed at which the dancers fling themselves across the stage is impressive – they’re rather like a pack of wild animals.
Without a word being spoken, the movements and tension-filled music, conveys everything from loneliness and sheer terror to love and hatred culminating in an electrifying and gripping climax.
Borne has created a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to get involved with theatre which alone, deserves applause.
Lord of the Flies is at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness until Saturday, May 31 and comes to His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen in August.
Go and see it.
You might just be see dance stars of the future take their first steps.