PROMOTION
THE ultimate rags-to-riches fairytale, made even more enchanting by the superb Northern Ballet. With magical sets, a new score, and powerful themes, this production of Cinderella at the Palace Theatre from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 November looks set to be a spellbinding show.
My Cinderella strays far from the pantomime interpretation. Amidst all the action, magic and fun lies the story of a real woman and man who must travel their separate roads to ultimate happiness
Choreographed by Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director David Nixon OBE, the ballet is set within a fantasy world of Imperial Russia and embraces themes of magic, loneliness and love.
Cinderella’s life is turned upside down following the death of her father. Suffering the coldness and cruelty of her stepmother, and kept as a servant by her family, Cinderella’s life is transformed once again following a magical encounter in a market place. As romance blossoms, can Prince Charming see beyond the servant girl and fall in love with the real Cinderella?
Duncan Hayler’s (Beauty & the Beast, A Midsummer Night’s Dream) fantastical set designs transport the audience through a Russian-inspired landscape where Cinderella marvels at the magician and circus performers at the winter fair, finds a moment’s freedom skating on a crystal lake and finally, magically, arrives at the ball, a palace of elegance and wealth.
Choreographer David Nixon OBE has placed some universal themes at the heart of his ballet: the contrast between those who experience freedom, warmth and love and those who experience loneliness, unable to enjoy their liberty; the many faces of love; the absolute darkness of grief; and the transforming power of generosity.
David explains, “My Cinderella strays far from the pantomime interpretation. Amidst all the action, magic and fun lies the story of a real woman and man who must travel their separate roads to ultimate happiness even though that journey is fraught with challenge. Cinderella is ultimately a joyous story but it is not without pain, grief and loneliness.”
Northern Ballet is renowned for creating unique interpretations of classic stories and Cinderella will be no exception. The colourful tapestry of Russia will lend new magic and wonder to this very traditional story. Rather than a fairy godmother, a magician is one of the central protagonists, and in preparation for the production Northern Ballet’s dancers have been learning magic and circus skills.
Northern Ballet has commissioned Philip Feeney to write a new score which will be played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia at all performances. Tim Mitchell (Hamlet and Dracula) is creating the lighting and Julie Anderson assists David Nixon in costume design.
The Northern Ballet’s production of Cinderella is at the Palace Theatre, Manchester from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 November. Tickets start from just £12.50.
