Northern Ballet will bring their award-winning Romeo & Juliet back to the stage in spring 2024 after an absence of over 16 years.
Romeo & Juliet promises to deliver ballet at its most dramatic and intense. With glorious dancing and Prokofiev’s timeless music played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, audiences will be invited to rediscover the iconic love story.
The adaptation, by Christopher Gable CBE and Massimo Moricone, which was broadcast by the BBC and enjoyed sell-out performances in the UK and overseas, was forced into hiatus after sets and costumes were tragically damaged in floods. Thanks to generous donations and the hard work of cast and crew, Northern Ballet is in the process of restoring the production to its former glory, ready to delight audiences across the country.
In addition to the recreation of sets, props and costumes, the Company will work closely with original cast members Jayne Pink and William Walker as well as former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company Gregory Doran to recapture the ballet’s infamous drama.
Realistic street-fighting and swordplay were created especially for the production by Jonathan Howell, whose credits include working with Hollywood stars such as Mel Gibson and Faye Dunaway. Stunning sets and costumes are created by celebrated designer Lez Brotherston.
Following its première in 1991 the ballet received several awards including The Manchester Evening News’ Best New Dance Production of the Year; Dance and Dancers Best Dance Production of the Year; a Royal Philharmonic Music Award; and a nomination for a Laurence Olivier Award.
Romeo & Juliet will open at Leeds Grand Theatre, on Friday 8 March before touring to Sheffield Lyceum Theatre, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Norwich Theatre Royal and London’s Sadler’s Wells.
To find out more and book tickets visit www.northernballet.com
Rekindle the Romance
Anyone wanting to support the revival of Romeo & Juliet can do so by donating to Northern Ballet’s Rekindle the Romance appeal. Visit northernballet.com/rekindle-appeal to find out more.
Audio Described Performances
An audio described performance will be offered at each tour venue. Co-written by former Northern Ballet Premier Dancer Pippa Moore MBE and VocalEyes, audio descriptions provide a unique insight into Northern Ballet productions and bring performances to life for those living with visual impairments. Visit northernballet.com/accessible-performances/ to find out more.
Main image: Chiaki Nagao and Hironao Takahashi. Photograph by Merlin Hendy.
