REVIEW: What strikes you about the style of this extraordinarily talented company is a sense of theatre. These dancers act as well as they dance.

They are not afraid to be still, sit, stand, just be, for several moments at a time and project emotion.

Most people know the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet, which is generally an advantage for an interpretation without words. But the body language here is so graphic, who needs words?

This version uses Prokofiev's remarkably pictorial music, written originally for the Kirov Ballet.

Christopher Hamson's new choreography builds on the expression in the music, under the direction of Gavin Sutherland, with energy and imagination to create a powerful and vivid spectacle.

Craid Lord and Megan Futcher are the ill-starred lovers, beautifully matched in expressiveness and athleticism. Ms Futcher especially has a fluidity of movement which is exhilarating to watch.

The story is punctuated with violence, brawls and knife fights, which are exquisitely staged.

A street brawl between the Montagues and Capulets moves into cinematic slow motion as the mayor, looking rather like the Godfather, intervenes.

The ingenious set creates ancient Verona with hints of its alleys and winding passageways. The costumes too are stunning. But it is the dancing which delights and mesmerises.

I hope the New Zealanders don't leave it another decade before they return to this country.

Romeo and Juliet

Royal New Zealand Ballet

Bath Theatre Royal