BalletBoyz, the acclaimed all-male dance company led by Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, returned to Sadler’s Wells with a bold and ambitious project: England on Fire. Inspired by the artbook of the same name by Stephen Ellcock and Mat Osman, the show features over 40 artists, including nine choreographers, six composers, 14 dancers, a rock band, an instrumental ensemble and a folk singer. The aim is to create a composite performance that explores the inner life of this diverse and complex country, through a mix of images, words, music and movement.
The show follows the journey of Artemis Stamouli, a white blond figure who awakens into a fever dream of “Albion”, a mythical and mystical version of England. She encounters various scenes and characters that represent different aspects of the nation’s soul, from druids and merrymakers to yobs and protesters. The show is a riotous tour through a patchwork of national mythology, with references to Alan Garner, punk rock, football, Brexit and more.
The production is visually stunning, with a large back projection of a red cross that changes colours and patterns throughout the show. The costumes are colourful and eclectic, and the lighting is dramatic and atmospheric. The music is diverse and dynamic, ranging from folk songs and classical pieces to rock anthems and electronic beats. The dancers are energetic and expressive, displaying a range of styles and skills.
However, the show also suffers from a lack of coherence and clarity, as it tries to cram too much into a short time. The narrative is vague and confusing, and the transitions between scenes are abrupt and jarring. The themes and messages are unclear and contradictory, and the tone is uneven and inconsistent. The show seems to celebrate and critique England at the same time, without offering a clear perspective or vision.
BalletBoyz: England on Fire is a brave and adventurous attempt to capture the essence of a nation, but it falls short of being a satisfying and meaningful experience. It is a chaotic but intermittently beguiling spectacle, that leaves the audience dazzled and confused.
