Enchanting fairytale ballet Hansel & Gretel coming to Leeds Playhouse with Doctor Who score and star narration
A spellbinding dance reimagining of Hansel & Gretel featuring words by former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, a score by Doctor Who composer Murray Gold, and a cast of local school children is heading to Leeds Playhouse
Contemporary dance company balletLORENT is set to bring its brand-new production, Hansel & Gretel and the Witch, to Leeds Playhouse in February 2027 as part of a UK tour.
The family-friendly dance theatre reimagining combines striking visual storytelling with words written by former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and narration by acclaimed actor Gina McKee (Bodyguard, Our Friends in the North).
The production features a star-studded creative team, including an original musical score by Doctor Who composer Murray Gold, costumes designed by Nasir Mazhar (known for his work with Lady Gaga), set design by Mayou Trikerioti (House of David), and dramaturgy by actor Ben Crompton.
Promising a sweet, dark, and playful take on the classic story, the show introduces a surprising new ending alongside a sugar-glass house, an "all-you-can-eat" merry-go-round filled with hand-crocheted treats, a regenerating witch, and two giant chickens.
At the heart of the tour is balletLORENT’s community engagement initiative. Nine professional dancers will perform alongside approximately 10 local Leeds primary school children.
Selected through free in-school workshops, the young performers will create their own roles and share the stage with the professional company during the Leeds run.
The show marks the fourth instalment in balletLORENT’s acclaimed touring fairytale series, following previous productions of Rapunzel, Snow White, and Rumpelstiltskin.
The tour will also visit Doncaster CAST later in May 2027.
balletLORENT’s Hansel & Gretel and the Witch runs at Leeds Playhouse from February 11 - 13 2027, with tickets and venue details available via the Leeds Playhouse box office.