Last night we went along to the Leeds Grand Theatre to see Northern Ballet’s production of A Christmas Carol. Now, I must preface this review by saying that although I am a theatre fan, I have never been to a ballet. I was intrigued to see how they would produce A Christmas Carol, so I watched the online trailer (you can see that here) and I was entranced!
I also have to say that the real thing was everything that the trailer promised, and told the story beautifully through dance. My main concern was the lack of speaking to tell the story, but I needn’t have worried as the story was clearly portrayed. The costumes were spot on with the main characters in Victorian attire, and the Ghosts of Christmas in fantastical fashion.
The Ghost of Christmas present was particularly popular with the audience and made me want my own glitter belt to spread glittery happiness wherever I went!
The sets were beautiful, redolent of the Victorian era and true to your ideal vision of a Dickens’ story. A truly festive and nostalgic piece. You will come out of the theatre happy, content and ready for Christmas!
All the official information on Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol:
Northern Ballet will spread Christmas cheer throughout the UK this winter when the Company tours Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to Sheffield, Hull, Norwich, Nottingham and Leeds. This magical production combines traditional ballet and captivating theatre to tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation from notorious grump to champion of the Christmas spirit.
Choreographed by Massimo Moricone and directed by Christopher Gable CBE, the production premiered in 1992 at the Theatre Royal, Bath, where it broke all previous box office records and became an instant hit with audiences. Following the revival of Romeo & Juliet earlier this year, Director Federico Bonelli has continued the trend of revisiting Northern Ballet’s retired landmark productions to the glee of longtime supporters and new audiences alike.
Federico said: ‘Alongside exploring new stories that connect, I am passionate about preserving the heritage of Northern Ballet. This signature piece from the era of Christopher Gable, like Romeo & Juliet, was a landmark moment in the Company’s history and continues to be beloved by our audiences which is why I’m so excited to return it to the stage this winter.
Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption with its message of human kindness and compassion is something that resonates with us all especially at this time of year. Its iconic characters lend themselves so well to ballet and I look forward to seeing audiences of all ages enjoying the show with us over the coming months.’
With colourful sets and costumes by Lez Brotherston OBE and Carl Davis’ festive score, blending classical music with well-known carols sung by the Company, audiences can expect to be transported to a traditional Victorian Christmas.
A Christmas Carol will open at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre on Thursday 7 November before touring to Hull, Norwich and Nottingham, finishing with a three-week run at Leeds Grand Theatre from the 17 December. All venues will offer an audio-described performance to improve accessibility for those with visual impairments. This production will be performed to recorded music.
Visit northernballet.com to find out more and book tickets.
We attended a press preview, as always all opinions expressed are my own.
