The Car Man

The Lowry
23rd to 27th June

*** Full Throttle ***

*** The Car Man is a lustful frenzy ***

The Car Man comes full throttle into the Lowry this week. There is tension, desire, revenge and tragedy, all beautifully choreography by Matthew Bourne to Bizet’s iconic opera score. In this version of the story instead of late 19th century Spain, we are in a 1950’s small town American diner. Where we see a newcomer to the town who brings a whole lot of trouble with him.

This is one of Matthew Bournes best works, from a stable of pedigrees. He cleverly reimages the familiar into something fresher, relevant and more accessible. In this reinvention he has created something that’s totally frilling. We've been lucky enough to see a lot of Bourne's work and I think I have a new favourite! I haven't even mentioned that shower scene - let's just say the heat wave outside was definitely felt in the auditorium at one point!

Our Car Man 'Luca' for the night was Will Bozier. A Jimmy Dean type character. Will gives a totally electrifying and mesmerising performance as we see him become the centre of a beautiful love triangle. Lana played by Cordelia Braithwaite, falls for Luca's charms. Her energetic display of passion and desire brings a passionate dynamic to the pairing. Leonardo McCorkindale who plays Angelo gave a stirring yet powerful performance telling a grittier side and a secret love of the story. The three have an intense, sexy, intimate chemistry that builds to a disastrous end.

The rest of the cast, were also all faultless with no one member working less hard than the leads. With all the sweat, beer drinking, engine oil and soaring testosterone levels, they draw us further into their world.

Les Brotherston, a long-term collaborator with Bourne again does not disappoint with his designs. He has created a dazzling world through his sets and costumes. With retro signage and vintage Cadillacs added to the beautiful flowing 50’s dresses creating wonderful silhouettes that Edith Head would be jealous of, Les Brotherstonhas excelled again. The offices double up as prison cells and there is a great movie screen that sits perfectly to introduce the story and then folds nicely away. The sets are enhanced by Chris Davey’s lighting which gives long moody lighting, with great neons and spots, using a perfect red and yellow colour pallet to create the feel of a searing bright mid-western sun.

It’s been said by others before but this really is story telling at its best. The Lowry's enormous stage is used to its full potential, making the production more spectacular; giving an immersive 50's film like feel. The Car Man is a lustful frenzy that needs to be experienced, and has everything you could ever wish for in a piece of theatre. A well-deserved FIVE STARS.

Booking now via below:

https://www.thelowry.com/whats-on/matthew-bournes-the-car-man-qdxt