The setting of one of Wales’s most beautiful National Trust homes, Dyffryn Gardens, couldn’t have been a more splendid stage on a warm summer’s evening for the performance of Ballet Cymru’s revival of their award-winning production of Romeo A Juliet.
The young company performed in what must have been a daunting space: thankfully, the sky was blue, the sun was shining and the audience came prepared. Deckchairs, picnics, dogs, blankets, wine and plenty of jovial laughter and anticipation were all evident as we waited.
The story of Romeo A Juliet (to use the Welsh conjunction, like Ballet Cymru do), as we know, is of two lovers caught up in an age-old feud. Sergei Prokofiev’s haunting score is performed and recorded by Sinfonia Cymru here to beautiful effect, pricking the senses as the dancers played out the tragic story.

The 12-strong cast, too, were mesmerising. Gwenllian Davies (Juliet) and Jakob Myers (Romeo) portrayed their story and performed gracefully in what is an intense, wild and free tale in many respects. The choreography, by Darius James, was contemporary in parts but married well with more traditional fluid and subtle movements. The story unfolded in a two-hour performance which was timed to perfection.
By the time the sun went down and the lovers had danced their last duet, the audience rose to give the performers and crew a standing ovation. A perfect evening out in the company of a talented and growing unique dance company. I look forward to Ballet Cymru’s next tour – hopefully they’re planning more outdoor performances for 2025.
Ballet Cymru: Romeo A Juliet, Dyffryn Gardens, Vale Of Glamorgan, Fri 30 Aug
The next performance of Romeo A Juliet is in Y Ffwrnes, Llanelli on Sat 26 Oct. Info on that and the company’s other shows is here.
words ANTONIA LEVAY