Review, Carlos Acosta’s Carmen, The Opera House, Manchester

Every now and then, a production comes along that pulls you into an almost trance-like state; Carmen by Carlos Acosta is one of those rare experiences. As we sat in the theatre, we were swept up into a powerful wave of emotion. Completely absorbed from the very first moment. The storytelling takes hold so fully that you lose all sense of time and place. Every thought, every feeling becomes part of what’s unfolding on stage.

Before you know it, it feels as though only ten minutes have passed. But when the lights come up, you realise you’ve been utterly captivated for the full one hour and forty minutes and you dont want it to end.

What Is Carlos Acosta’s Carmen About

At its core, Carmen is about passion, freedom, and jealousy. Carmen (Amisaday Naara) is a fiercely independent woman working in a cigarette factory in Seville. She captivates a soldier, Don José (Alejandro Silva), who falls deeply in love with her. But Carmen refuses to be controlled. Eventually turning her attention to the glamorous bullfighter Escamillo (Paul Brando). Don José’s jealousy spirals out of control, leading to a tragic ending.

Carlos Acosta leans more heavily into the darker undercurrents of the story, bringing to the forefront themes of toxic relationships, shifting power dynamics, and Carmen’s fierce refusal to belong to anyone. He also gives the bull, often symbolic of fate or destiny, a far more prominent presence, reinforcing the sense that the characters are being pulled toward an inevitable end. As a result, it feels less like a traditional romantic tragedy and more like a striking exploration of control, inevitability, and freedom.

My Review of Carmen

Carmen is nothing short of exquisite, every move is fluid, almost effortless and magical as if the dancers are floating. Amisaday Naara at times seems almost weightless. It is truly astounding to watch and totally mesmerising.

The set is so very simple, but sublime; it changes with the mood and sets the scene perfectly, never distracting, just adding the final piece to its perfection.

Yes, it is a ballet, but Carmen feels more current, modern and fresh. Yet also a piece of art and a thing of beauty. It feels like it wraps itself around you, not in a warm cosy hug kind of way, more a mesmerising journey that has you gripped in a trance-like state taking it all in. Its a very powerful feeling.

Where Can You See Carmen

Carmen is at the Opera House Manchester until the 25th April. And then at……

• Theatre Royal Brighton, Wed 29 Apr – Sat 2 May 2026
• Woking Theatre, Wed 6 May – Sat 9 May 2026

Disclaimer: I was gifted the tickets, but a review is optional. However, all opinions are my own. Check out where to park near the Opera House Manchester.