CHRISTMAS isn’t complete without a Northern Ballet festive show.
From Nutracker to A Christmas Carol, the Leeds-based ballet company’s Christmas productions are a much-loved feature of the season.
This autumn, the masters of storytelling are bringing a magical production of Cinderella, choreographed by Michael Pink, to the UK for the first time as part of a new nationwide tour.
And from December ballet is set to captivate audiences with a 20-show Christmas run at Leeds Grand Theatre.
The show features breathtaking ballet and laugh-out-loud characters
Continuing its canon of stories that connect with audiences, the production - which was originated by Milwaukee Ballet in 2009 - features breathtaking ballet, tender duets and laugh-out-loud characters.
Performed to Prokofiev’s famous classical score, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, this is the perfect introduction to classical ballet.
The production features exquisite costumes and lavish set designs, including fantastical gardens, sweeping ballrooms and dazzling carriages Photos: Rachel Malehorn
It brings to life all the key elements of the traditional rags-to-riches fairy tale, from evil stepmothers to a love-struck Prince - but with Michael Pink’s own spin to elevate some of the story’s other heartwarming character arcs.
Here, we see Cinderella watched over not by a fairy godmother but by the spirit of her own mother, helping from afar to bring about her happily ever after.
Alongside the emotional and romantic touch points of Cinderella’s love story with the Prince, Michael also brings moments of hilarity to the ballet with the stepsisters, performed in true pantomime fashion by male dancers from the company.
Michael has a long association with Northern Ballet, where he was Associate Artistic Director between 1993 and 1998. Working closely with former Artistic Director Christopher Gable CBE, he created the critically acclaimed Dracula as well as versions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Swan Lake and Giselle.
Says Michael: “This production of Cinderella was created for the Milwaukee Ballet in 2009 and I’m thrilled to be working with Northern Ballet again to stage it in the UK.
The ballet will run in Leeds this Christmas
“Prokofiev’s score for Cinderella contains distinct musical motifs for the characters. It has whimsical and magical elements which I wanted to explore as I wrote my scenario. I replaced the Fairy God Mother with the spirit of Cinderella’s departed mother; I also introduced Jack, the house-boy as Cinderella’s real life guardian angel.”
He adds: “As with all my work, I start the creation process by diving deep into the original source material.
“I see the story of Cinderella as one of fundamentally holding on to hope, regardless of circumstance. That in essence is what we want audience members, young and old, to take with them out into the world.”
Northern Ballet is also working with a dance school in each touring city to inspire the next generation, inviting local children across the country to become part of the Cinderella cast in three key roles including a dressmaker, a cobbler and a gardener.
In Leeds, the dancers will come from the Academy of Northern Ballet, one of the UK’s leading classical training institutions, offering students the opportunity to train in the same inspirational setting as professional company dancers. The young cast will be part of the spellbinding transformation scene as Cinderella gets ready to go to the ball.
Federico Bonelli, Artistic Director of Northern Ballet, says: “Following the fantastic response to our new Gentleman Jack ballet earlier this year, I’m excited for our audiences to experience another production that showcases Northern Ballet’s gift for bringing compelling characters and timeless stories to life through dance.
“Michael Pink’s Cinderella combines classical ballet technique with heartfelt storytelling and a good dose of humour, making it the perfect production to be enjoyed by all ages. Michael has played a big part in our history and gone on to cement a reputation for creating truly engaging work, so we’re thrilled to bring this ballet to the UK for both our incredible company to dance, and for audiences to enjoy.”
Through magnificent set design by Bruce Brockman, exquisite costume design by Peter Cazalet and evocative lighting by David Grill, the audience is transported from the gloom of Cinderella’s home to fantastical gardens and lavish, sweeping ballrooms - complete with dazzling carriages and sparkling ‘glass’ ballet slippers.
* Northern Ballet’s Cinderella runs at Leeds Grand Theatre from December 15 to January 2, 2027.
Tickets are on sale now at northernballet.com/Cinderella
Each venue on the tour will offer an audio-described performance to improve accessibility for audience members with visual impairments.