Fairytale classic given Russian twist in new ballet show

Northern Ballet is bringing the story to the stage this month with a magical new production of Cinderella by David Nixon.

The show had its world premiere at the city centre venue earlier this week and it will tour nationally in 2014.

Set within a fantasy world of Imperial Russia, the set has been designed by Duncan Hayler and is a Russian-inspired landscape that includes circus performers at a winter fair.

Cinderella is David Nixon’s 15th new full-length production for Northern Ballet where he has been artistic director since 2001.

Mr Nixon said: “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.”

Rather than a fairy godmother, a magician is one of the central characters.

Northern Ballet has commissioned Philip Feeney to write a new score, which will be played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

Leeds-based Northern Ballet is one of the UK’s five large ballet companies.

To find out more, visit www.northernballet.com.