After a break from theatres and shows post-festive season, we were welcomed back into the arts with a child-friendly ballet of Hansel and Gretel at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre.
In true chaotic-parent style, I managed to confuse the theatres*, meaning we arrived by the skin of our teeth and missed out on the craft table set up outside. A shame, as a quick glance revealed a treasure trove of creative delights—DIY flower crowns, colouring activities and even giant animated Hansel and Gretel stickers for handouts. Naturally, I grabbed a sticker because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a free sticker?
I’ll admit I was slightly nervous about how my three-year-old son, River, would cope with a non-verbal performance. But from the moment the curtains lifted, he was utterly captivated.
This wasn’t your traditional gingerbread-house-meets-witch tale. Instead, it was a refreshingly modern retelling, diving straight into the chaotic reality of childhood today. The show opened with a hilariously relatable sibling squabble over a video game, much to River’s delight. Their exasperated dad eventually drags them away from their screens and into nature, where they encounter birdwatchers, stumble upon a monstrous creature made entirely of litter (an all-too-real modern horror), and—ironically—contribute to the mess themselves before learning some valuable lessons.
The choreography was stunning, seamlessly weaving playfulness with purpose. In a heartwarming twist, the children help free the litter monster from its mountain of trash, revealing a Prince of Nature beneath. The message? A gentle nudge towards environmental awareness, beautifully packaged in pirouettes and pas de bourrées.
The orchestra was phenomenal, and the young audience—surprisingly patient—remained engaged throughout. Well, except for my son, who enthusiastically clapped for the final fifteen minutes straight. He was so enthralled that he couldn’t contain his excitement…which was both heartwarming and, let’s be honest, mildly distracting.
All in all, Hansel and Gretel was a magical, thought-provoking ballet with a modern twist—one that enchanted children and parents alike. And next time, I might just leave a little earlier to make it to that craft table.
Editor’s note: *Robyn’s being kind – I sent her to the wrong theatre.
Image by Emily Nuttall.
northernballet.com/hansel-and-gretel
TOUR DATES
Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre
15 – 22 February
Sat 15 Feb: 11am, 2pm, 4pm
Mon 17 – Thu 20 Feb: 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Fri 21 -Sat 22 Feb: 11am*, 2pm**, 4pm
Box Office 0113 220 8008
Hull New Theatre
1 March, 14:00, 16:00*
Box Office 01482 300 306
Oxford Playhouse
Fri 7 Mar: 14:00, 16:00
Sat 8 Mar: 11:00*, 13:00
Box Office 01865 305305
Berwick Maltings
22 March, 14:00, 16:00
Box Office 01289 330 999
Edinburgh Festival Theatre
23 March, 13:30, 15:30
Box Office 0131 529 6000
Middlesbrough Theatre
26 March, 14:00, 17:30
Box Office 01623 463133
Goole Junction
29 March, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00*
Box Office 01405 763652
Barrow The Forum
5 April, 14:00, 16:00
Box Office 01229 820000
Doncaster Cast
9 April, 14:00, 16:00*
Box Office 01302 303959
Harrogate Theatre
15 April, 12:00, 14:00*, 16:00
Box Office 01423 502116
Durham Gala Theatre
19 April, 14:00, 16:00*, 18:00
Box Office 03000 266 600
Mansfield Palace Theatre
29 April, 13:00, 17:00
Book now 01623 463016
Corby Cube
30 April, 14:00, 17:00*
Box Office 01536 470470
Bridlington Spa
7 May, 14:00, 16:00*
Box Office 01262 678 258
Lawrence Batley Huddersfield
17 May, 12:00, 14:00*, 16:00
Box Office 01484 430528
Buxton Opera House
27 May, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00*
Box Office 01298 72050
Linbury Theatre (Royal Ballet & Opera)
29-31 May, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00
Box Office (0)20 7304 4000
Crewe Lyceum
7 June, 14:00, 16:00
Box Office 0343 310 0050
* Relaxed performance
**Audio described performance
