Dance review: Scottish Ballet - A Streetcar Named Desire, Theatre Royal

Some theatrical moments are so iconic, to do without them would be unthinkable. Stanley Kowalski bellowing “Stella!” to his wife in an upstairs apartment is one such moment, and without it, A Streetcar Named Desire just isn’t complete.

So how, those in the audience familiar with the play or film were wondering, would Scottish Ballet rise to that particular challenge? Simple – dancer Tama Barry pushed choreography to one side for a moment and let his lungs do the talking. In another ballet, it might feel out of place, but this astute adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play is so dramatic, it fits perfectly.

The key to the show’s success lies in the partnership behind it. Not content to take one creative figure into the rehearsal studio, the company took two – choreographer, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and director, Nancy Meckler. It’s a winning combination, with both bringing drama, pathos, hope, love and a myriad other emotions to the tale, through their movement and characterisation. Not to mention the duo’s slightly off-kilter and thoroughly gripping approach to staging.

High praise also goes to Peter Salem, whose original score took us from jazzy New Orleans bar to harrowing rape scene with sensitivity, while set and lighting design aided the choreography creating fun, passion, desperation and mental instability.

But of course none of this works without talent to drive the story along, and the skilled ensemble cast gave its all.

In Eve Mutso in particular, Scottish Ballet has an absolute powerhouse of a performer. Playing the once-in-a-lifetime role of Blanche DuBois, she imbued it with every drop of intense humanity and pain it demands – and then some.

Rating: *****