I think that Matthew Bourne has done more to encourage a new audience to dance than anybody else, and with this re-working of his 1994 production of Highland Fling, that can only continue. Loosely based on Taglioni’s La Sylphide, the action transfers from misty Scottish Highlands to a seedy nightclub and council flat in Glasgow where hero James (James Leece) is no longer a crofter but an unemployed welder with a drink and drug problem
and is visited by the Sylph in the original title, when under the influence of certain substances.  | | The Sylphs |
Bourne uses the original score to La Sylphide by Herman Lovenskjold but brilliantly manages to convey with movement the style of modern day nightclub dancing, and when the tartan-clad cast move to James' council flat, the feeling of the morning after the night before that they convey is palpable. You would think that it would be impossible to bring comedy into ballet but this team of highly talented dancers manage it superbly - as the romantic vision of the Sylph appears to James and manages not only to put his flat into disarray but his marriage too! James was danced by Aberdeen born James Leece, tall, strong, imposing and - great in a kilt! As Effie, the jilted fiancée, Mikah Smillie really made us feel sympathy for her plight. And Kerry Biggin in dancing the Sylph was excellent in portraying something naughty, yet still nice. But as always with Matthew Bourne, this is just as much a play as a ballet and all the supporting characters have very different personalities and act in their dancing very well. In this way it is important to stress that this is a real ensemble piece that doesn't depend on individual 'stars' but a family of dancers who work together seamlessly. The second act takes place in more of a forest glade cum fly tipping spot and marks a complete change of mood, with James searching for his supernatural lover. The rest of the cast are now sylphs and the piece is more reminiscent of a traditional ballet with lots of white floaty costumes but the appearance of soft toys as wild animals remind us that it's definitely Bourne! The ending is very poignant, and also I have to say, quite shocking as James tries to tame his Sylph with tragic results. Although revised, this piece is not quite as deep or innovative as his more recent work has been, but once again, Bourne's skill in putting a contemporary slant on an established piece makes for an extremely enjoyable evening out. | 
