Northern Ballet’s Merlin, by Drew McOnie, is an ambitious and magical production that reimagines the story of the legendary wizard.
Instead of following the traditional story of Merlin, this ballet takes us back to Merlin’s beginnings, showing him as a young man struggling with who he is and the extraordinary powers he carries.
What follows is a spectacular, moving show that mixes fantasy with drama.
At the centre of the story is Merlin, danced by Kevin Poeung. It’s clear Poeung has given the preparation for this performance his all, as he captures the character’s uncertainty as a young man who doesn’t quite fit in, but also the strength and bravery that grows as Merlin embraces his destiny. The choreography for this ballet moulded to him perfectly.
Opposite him, Antoinette Brooks-Daw makes a powerful impression as Morgan, a character filled with both determination and complexity. Together, they bring real emotion to the fantasy and ensure the story never gets lost behind the spectacle.
Visually, the production of Merlin is stunning. The stage is filled with striking costumes, bold set pieces and clever special effects that bring the world of myth and magic to life. Most notably in this production, the use of puppetry shone through as something unique and exciting. As dragons and dogs rise up in the form of puppets, it feels more like stepping into a fantasy film than watching a traditional ballet. The design and technical effects are a highlight and make the production instantly memorable.
The music, composed by Grant Olding, matches the scale of the production. It swells in the battle scenes, softens in the more emotional moments and gives the whole ballet a cinematic quality.
One of the strongest features of Merlin is that the story is clear and easy to follow. Ballet can sometimes feel abstract or difficult to understand, but here the storytelling is straightforward. Families and newcomers to ballet will find themselves drawn in without needing to know the ins and outs of Arthurian legend.
However, ballet lovers who prefer more intricate dance patterns may have wished for more during the performance, as some of the moments at times felt a little obvious – but as a novice to the world of dance, I was able to appreciate the physical storytelling aspect.
What struck me most was that the show didn’t receive a standing ovation from the entire audience, when it truly deserved one. The energy and talent on stage made it an experience hard to forget.
Whether you’re a lifelong theatre enthusiast or discovering dance for the first time, Merlin promises an enchanting evening of bold and creative storytelling that captures the imagination and celebrates the magic of movement.
An audio-described performance to improve accessibility for those with visual impairments will be on 20 September at 2.30.
This production will be performed to recorded music.
Production Credits
Choreography & Direction: Drew McOnie
Music: Grant Olding
Set & Costume Design: Colin Richmond
Lighting Design: Anna Watson
Illusions: Chris Fisher
Puppetry Design & Direction: Rachael Canning
Tickets for Merlin are available now at www.northernballet.com/merlin
Main image Kevin Poeung.
