The Car Man – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Composer: Terry Davies & Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite (after Bizet’s Carmen)

Director and Choreographer: Matthew Bourne

The programme says, “Fasten your seatbelts” — and it wasn’t wrong.

Sir Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Car Man returns to the stage, blending inspiration from Bizet’s famous opera Carmen and James M. Cain’s novel The Postman Always Rings Twice to create a story that feels entirely its own. The action moves from Carmen‘s 19th-century Spanish cigarette factory to a garage-diner in 1950s small-town America.

Bourne is one of Britain’s best-known choreographers, famous for taking familiar stories and completely reimagining them through dance. His productions, including Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands and The Red Shoes, are known for their bold storytelling and theatrical style, putting a completely new spin on classics audiences think they already know.

The experience begins from the moment you enter the theatre, with the cast already milling around Dino’s garage and diner. Before a single note has even been played, there’s so much going on that you don’t quite know where to look — and you already have the feeling you’re in for something special.

Set in the small town of Harmony, the irony of its name quickly becomes clear with the arrival of mysterious drifter Luca (Harrison Dowzell), who turns life upside down. His presence creates tension when he begins an affair with Lana (Cordelia Braithwaite), the garage owner’s wife. Add in an affair with Angelo (Leonardo McCorkindale), the garage help, and what follows is a dark story of attraction, jealousy, betrayal and revenge.

The set is outstanding. Designed by Lez Brotherston, who is also responsible for the costumes, it transports us seamlessly from garage and diner to nightclub and prison, with each setting bringing something different to the story. The car race is particularly effective, with headlights shining out into the audience and clever staging creating a real sense of movement and speed. It’s incredible how such a small space can suddenly feel so much bigger.

Chris Davey’s lighting and Paul Groothuis’ sound design help create the changing mood and atmosphere, even making you feel the shifts in temperature as the story unfolds. And then, of course, there’s the music. Even if you’re not an opera fan, you’ll almost certainly recognise Bizet’s famous score, adding another layer of intensity to everything unfolding before you.

As for the cast — where do you even begin? The sheer talent, energy and passion is electric. Every movement feels purposeful, and the physicality and athleticism of the dancers is mesmerising to watch. Bourne’s choreography and direction are incredible. You feel the tension, passion and emotion without a single word needing to be spoken. The dancers move together in a way that looks almost effortless, yet creates such impact. There’s so much going on that you don’t want to blink for fear of missing a thing.

You don’t need to know Carmen, be familiar with Bourne’s work or even consider yourself a fan of dance to get completely swept up in The Car Man. It’s bold, passionate, thrilling and utterly captivating.

Not to be missed.

Runs until 25 July 2026