On the hottest day of the year in the UK, the return of The Car Man to The Lowry feels almost too perfectly timed. As the temperature in Manchester soars, the heat radiating from the stage proves every bit as intense, transporting us to the sultry, sweat-soaked corner of small-town America where passions burn dangerously out of control.
Inspired by Bizet’s Carmen, with an extended version of Rodin Shchedrin’s orchestration, The Car Man remains one of Bourne’s most intoxicating creations. Moving the action to a 1960s Midwestern diner and garage in the fictional town of Harmony, the production pulses with desire, jealousy and betrayal, all underscored by Terry Davies’ thrilling arrangement of the famous music.
At the centre of the drama, the chemistry between the lead performers – Cordelia Brathwaite as Lana, and Will Bozier as Luca – is palpable. Their encounters crackle with tension from the moment they first meet, creating a magnetic pull that makes every glance, touch and confrontation feel charged with consequence. Bourne’s choreography demands complete emotional commitment, and all his principals – particularly Leonardo McCorkindale as the sensitive, bullied Angelo – deliver performances of captivating intensity, drawing the audience fully into their dangerous world.
It’s also great to see the original Luca, Alan Vincent, returning as Lana’s husband, Dino, bringing the piece beautifully full circle with a commanding performance.
The production still possesses the capacity to catch its audience off guard – a fleeting flash of nudity prompts an audible ripple of surprise, whilst Luca’s dual seduction of Lana and Angelo, and subsequent treatment of both, shows that, even more than two decades on, The Car Man retains a provocative edge.
What truly elevates this revival is the extraordinary work of the ensemble. Far more than mere background players, they create a fully realised community whose individual stories enrich and deepen the central narrative – demonstrating yet again Bourne’s power as a storyteller. Every customer, mechanic and resident contributes to the atmosphere, adding layers of humour, menace and heartbreak that makes the world feel fully realised and lived in.
Lez Brotherston’s cinematic set is a masterpiece of theatrical design, effortlessly shifting between a variety of claustrophobic interiors, whilst Chris Davey’ atmospheric lighting drenches the stage in dusty sunlight, neon glow and ominous shadow.
Overall, Bourne has given us a blistering production that leaves the audience wondering if the summer evening just got that little bit hotter.
The Car man runs until Saturday 27th June. For tickets visit https://www.thelowry.com/whats-on/matthew-bournes-the-car-man-qdxt
Reviewer: Lou Steggals
Reviewed: 23rd June 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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