It's a ballet designed to lift your spirits and make you smile.
And David Nixon, artistic director of Northern Ballet has achieved that and much more in an already much-loved version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
It has already been Olivier nominated and is now being revived for an autumn and winter tour.
There are a string of tour dates but many in this region will want to see it at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds where it plays from Friday, September 6, to Saturday, September 14. It then moves on to Newcastle, Woking and Nottingham.
What audiences have loved about this adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tale is its retelling of a familiar story with a clever, modern twist.
The choreographer is David Nixon and the ballet is co-directed by Patricia Doyle. It is danced to the music of Mendelssohn and Brahms.
Together, the Northern Ballet team have brought out the comedy, romance and entanglements of this delightful story while giving it a fresh feel by setting it in their own world of ballet. It will delight dance fans.
They have done it by playing out the romantic antics of a touring dance company as it travels by sleeper train from London to Edinburgh.
David Nixon said: “My version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is about young dancers and the passions and tribulations that a young touring company get themselves entangled in.
“It was really important to me to bring the romantic elements out of this much loved story.
“I always enjoy seeing the reaction of the audience to this ballet. It’s great to hear them laughing!
“The ballet is very playful and uplifting and I think many people are pleasantly surprised to see so much humour captured in dance.”
The sets for A Midsummer Night’s Dream are by Duncan Hayler with the music of Felix Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahms arranged by John Longstaff and performed live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia.
The Dior-inspired costumes, along with stylish black and white sets, provide a dazzling contrast to the glorious technicolour of the dreamworld.
For further information on Northern Ballet’s upcoming tour 2013 visit northernballet.com.
Tickets on 0113 213 7700.
