Northern Ballet Theatre

 

 

 

Northern Ballet Theatre reach out to their audience, as principal dancer Darren Goldsmith says, by “producing a piece of theatre, rather than a gymnastic routine of set steps”. The company produces works which dissolve the chronological and cultural barriers that deter viewers from attending ballet. Their enthusiasm to entertain is at the heart of their work, and no doubt the reason they are celebrating their 40th anniversary.

Northern Ballet Theatre return to the Festival Theatre offering programmes which, in Goldsmith's words, “celebrate the journey they have been on”. They open with classical favourite Swan Lake, followed by a mixed programme.

Artistic Director David Nixon has reconfigured Swan Lake in early twentieth century New England for a contemporary version of the Bolshoi classic. Reconfigured in twentieth century New England, a wealthy young man is thrust into confusion by his obsession with a beautiful swan.

The mixed bill includes A Simple Man, created for and dedicated to former artistic director Christopher Gable. This biography of painter Lowry is a seminal piece in the company’s repertoire, central to their Northern identity. Also included is Mark Godden’s Angels in the Architecture and traditional Russian ballet La Bayadare. Originally choreographed by Petipa for the St Petersburg Imperial Ballet, Nixon’s bold decision to include it is a testament to the company’s ambition and growth.

This diverse programme demonstrates both the depth of NBT’s repertoire whilst highlighting their versatility. Workshops will be run alongside their tour dates, offering a rare and valuable opportunity to explore the company’s choreography.