The Car Man – Hull New Theatre

Sparks literally flew as Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Car Man hit the Hull New Theatre stage on Tuesday evening.

Performed by Bourne’s New Adventures dancers, it’s billed as “Bizet’s Carmen re-ignited”. Set in a 1960s garage, the sparks we saw were presumably from a welding gun used by one of the dishiest set of mechanics I’ve ever set eyes upon.

All the action takes place in the US town of Harmony; however, events are far from harmonious after a drifter answers Dino’s Diner and Garage’s ad for “man wanted”.

Garage owner, Dino Alfano (Alan Vincent), is married to the beautiful, younger Lana (Ashley Shaw). He has no idea what tragedy will enfold by employing the traveller, who goes by the name of Luca (Harrison Dowzell).

The stage setting was a hive of activity even before “curtain up”, with mechanics beavering away on two fabulous cars of the era. Dino’s Diner, with its name in red lights, stood to the right of the stage and featured a table and chairs in front of the counter.

A metal staircase, doorways, windows – upstairs and down – all added to the very impressive scene over which hung a huge screen to the front of the stage, showing the rosy glow of a sunset.

During the production the scenes changed seamlessly between prison cells, Le-Beat-Route city club and back to the garage. Oh, not forgetting a realistic car smash.

The genius responsible – Lez Brotherston – also designed the costumes, mainly denims, vests, leather jackets for the men, and floaty 50’s-era dresses for the females most of the time.

However, this wonderful setting played second fiddle to the fabulous cast who energetically danced, fought and romanced the night away in such a mesmerising fashion (make that murdering fashion), it was only later in the production that I realised the huge sunset screen had moved from front of stage to the far left.

Early evening in Dino’s, the workers are letting off steam, smoking, drinking and dancing suggestively – this is a Matthew Bourne production so the balletic moves show strength as well as grace. Dino, briefcase in hand, kisses his wife, Lana, and leaves the garage for the night. Behind his back, Lana wipes her mouth in distaste. Oh, oh.

And after all the grimy mechanic stuff, we are treated to the aforementioned dishy mechanics taking showers – leaving little to the imagination. Loved it, especially the two towel-clad naughties’ after-shower shenanigans. You know who you are.

It’s not long before mean and moody Luca and flighty Lana have eyes only for each other, with disastrous consequences.

However, Luca does have a decent side to him, stepping in to stop the awful bullying of hired help, Angelo (Harry Ondrak-Wright) by the other workers.

Showing the young man how to defend himself leads to scenes of intimacy between the two – we had to use our imagination as they both exited a rocking car; Luca zipping up his pants and Angelo looking dreamily shell-shocked.

In fact, The Car Man, at 26 years old, remains the first ballet to feature bisexuality as a major part of the plot.

Lana’s younger, naive sister Rita (Kurumi Kamayachi) is geeky Angelo’s girlfriend, but when he’s accused of a murder he doesn’t commit, will she stand by him? And does Angelo, hardened by his spell in prison, remain the same compliant character, or is it no more Mr Nice Guy?

Over a period of nine months in the small Italian/American community, we go from party time to rage, greed, lust, vengeance, jealousy, treachery, murder and everything in between.

No one comes out of it squeaky clean, although one main character gets off scot-free in my book.

Loosely based on Bizet’s every-popular opera, The Car Man is acted out to the instantly recognisable score from Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite (after Bizet’s Carmen), with additional music by Olivier Award winning and BAFTA nominee composer and conductor Terry Davies.

Their music was thunderous at times, calmer at others, enhancing whatever atmosphere pervaded at the time; an atmosphere often created by the wonderful lighting alone.

And all the while the most fantastic cast danced and acted non-stop, showing acrobatic skills as well as modern dance and ballet.

The main characters of Luca, Lana, Rita, Angelo and Dino (Dowzell, Shaw, Kamayachi, Ondrak-Wright and Vincent respectively), although very different in their natures, were superbly brought to life by five super-talents who made it very easy for any of us unfamiliar with the story, to understand proceedings.

Add to the mix a dozen equally amazing dancers and it’s no wonder audiences around the world have flocked to watch The Car Man since it’s world premiere in 2000 – a premiere in which Alan Vincent (Dino in the above production) played the role of Luca.

Although Hull New Theatre was far from full on the night, the audience’s prolonged standing ovation left the cast in no doubt how much we enjoyed their performance. Simply breathtaking.

Age guidance 12+.

The Car Man runs until Saturday, July 4th 2026 at the Hull New Theatre with tickets available at (01482) 300306 and www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Reviewer: Jackie Foottit

Reviewed: 30th June 2026

North West End UK Rating: