Discover the magic that can happen when you look beneath the surface with Northern Ballet’s new Beauty & the Beast.
A handsome Prince is transformed into a Beast as punishment for his ugly arrogance. Only true love can break the spell - but who could love a monster like him? A beautiful young woman is sent to live with the Beast. Despite the riches and attention he lavishes upon her, she is unable to love him as anything more than a friend. As this classic story unfolds in an enchanting world inhabited by fairies, sprites and goblins, we discover that beauty is more than skin deep. Read more …
See the Company sparkle in a kaleidoscope of colour and Haute couture-style costumes, as breathtaking dancing is accompanied by an infectious score including music by Bizet, Debussy, Poulenc and Saint-Saëns, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.
It was the fine blend of technical excellence and characterisation from the dancers that took us into the heart of this well-worn yet enduringly fresh tale.
Yet for all the sumptuous set changes and breadth of vision, the action is tightly managed. Nixon doesn’t indulge in art for art’s sake. Each act serves to further the story rather than dwell on physical artistry. An ideal starting place for ballet beginners.
Interview: David Nixon--choreographer and costume designer
Northern delights for Beauty and the Beast
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Thursday March 15, 2012, until Saturday March 17, 2012. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/festival