Matthew Bourne's The Car Man - Nottingham Review

Review by Elle
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review

Loosely inspired by Bizet's Carmen, The Car Man is a compelling dance thriller set in a small Midwestern American town during the 1960s. At the heart of the community is Dino's garage and diner, where his wife Lana works. The arrival of drifter Luca disrupts the town's seemingly ordinary existence, setting in motion a chain of events driven by desire, deception and ambition.

Ashley Shaw (Lana) and Harrison Dowzell (Luca). Photo by Johan Persson

Under Matthew Bourne's direction and choreography, the production is a masterclass in theatrical storytelling through movement. Slick, energetic and unapologetically sensual, Bourne's interpretation transforms the familiar opera into a gripping narrative that remains captivating from beginning to end.

Terry Davies' orchestration skilfully combines Bizet's original score with elements of Rodion Shchedrin's celebrated arrangement, creating a soundtrack that feels both fresh and faithful to its origins. The result is a score that heightens the drama while preserving the richness and authenticity of the music.

Lez Brotherston's set and costume designs are equally impressive. The dusty Americana aesthetic perfectly evokes the oppressive heat of the town of Harmony, while the understated costumes, from floral sundresses to simple tank tops, reinforce the realism of the setting. Rather than glamourising the world of the production, Brotherston's designs complement Bourne's vision by grounding the narrative in authenticity.

Nikolas Shikkis, Jack Widdowson, Danny Reubens and Harrison Dowzell. Photo by Johan Persson.

As Luca, Harrison Dowzell delivers a magnetic performance. Mysterious, charismatic and physically commanding, he conveys the complexities of his character entirely through movement and expression. His partnership with Ashley Shaw's Lana is particularly striking. The trust and connection between the two performers are evident throughout their demanding choreography, allowing them to tell a story fuelled by passion and manipulation with remarkable conviction.

Ashley Shaw gives a captivating performance as Lana, balancing playful charm with undeniable sensuality. Through both movement and subtle characterisation, she creates a woman whose desires and vulnerabilities drive much of the narrative's emotional core.

Anna-Maria De Freitas and Leo McCorkindale bring warmth and sincerity to Rita and Angelo. Their relationship provides some of the production's most tender moments, and the chemistry between them is consistently believable. Even as darker tensions emerge throughout the story, the affection at the centre of their relationship remains clear and affecting.

The strength of The Car Man extends beyond its principal cast. The ensemble performs with exceptional precision and commitment, seamlessly supporting the storytelling through complex, layered choreography. Their work creates a vivid sense of community while maintaining the high standard of performance established throughout the production.

Raw, passionate and emotionally charged, The Car Man explores themes of lust, hope, vulnerability, jealousy and manipulation with unflinching intensity. Bourne's production combines powerful storytelling, exceptional choreography and outstanding performances to create an experience that is both thrilling and deeply engaging. It is a remarkable piece of dance theatre and an essential watch for audiences seeking bold, innovative storytelling on stage.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Matthew Bourne's The Car Man runs in Nottingham until Saturday 26th September 2026. For tickets visit https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/matthew-bourne-the-car-man-qyst

The show tours the UK until 21st November 2026 before playing a week in Amsterdam from 25th to 29th November 2026. For tour dates and tickets, visit https://www.new-adventures.net/the-car-man#overview

Matthew Bourne's The Car Man contains scenes of a sexual nature - including sexual assault, brief full frontal nudity, smoking, strobe lighting, haze, scenes of bloody violence and gunshots.

The company of The Car Man. Photo by Johan Persson.