what’s onmay – december 2011at home & on tour

www.northernballet.com

% Most outstanding female performance (classical) Martha Leebolt, Premier Dancer, 2010

% Patron’s Award 2008

% Audience Award 2004, 2005 and 2006

To find out more about Northern Ballet and the work we do visit www.northernballet.com where you can also join our postal and e-mail lists.

A powerhouse for inventive dance

Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards

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Find us on

‘Northern Ballet oozes talent and confidence’Sunday Express

‘A Company that boasts the best dance-actors in the world’Dance Europe

‘A star Company’Sunday Express

‘Northern Ballet has established a formidable reputationfor excellence and innovation’The Stage

‘One of Britain’s most important companies’The Observer

Cleopatra 04

Giselle 06

Hamlet 08

The Nutcracker 10

Beauty & the Beast 12

Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre at Northern Ballet 14

Dance classes 16

Space hire 17

More from Northern Ballet 18

2011 Diary 19

Contents

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Yi Song. Photo Jason Tozer. Cover photo Martha Leebolt. Photo Jason Tozer.

cleopatra%%%%‘Cleopatra is a stunner … the audience loved every minute of it’Sunday Express

%%%%The Mail on Sunday

Production sponsor

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Cleopatra Performance dates London Sadler’s WellsTue 17 – Sat 21 May Box Office 0844 412 4300sadlerswells.com

Nottingham Theatre RoyalTue 27 September – Sat 1 October Box Office 0115 989 5555royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk

Woking New Victoria TheatreTue 4 – Sat 8 October Box Office 0844 871 7645ambassadortickets.com/new-victoria-theatre

Norwich Theatre RoyalTue 11 – Sat 15 October Box Office 01603 630 000theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Tobias Batley as Mark Antony, Martha Leebolt as Cleopatra,

Javier Torres as Julius Caesar, Kenneth Tindall as Wadget and

Hironao Takahashi as Octavian in Cleopatra.

Photos Bill Cooper & Jason Tozer.05

An enduring icon of the ancient world. The ultimate modern woman. Beautiful, sensual and determined; mother, lover and Queen – Cleopatra.

In a world ruled by men, this courageous and compulsive woman overturned convention and changed the course of history.

Cleopatra’s legacy has inspired generations. Now, composer Claude-Michel Schönberg (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables) and Northern Ballet Artistic Director David Nixon OBE, bring her astounding story to the stage in this must-see ballet for 2011.

Cleopatra has delighted audiences and critics alike since it’s première in February. Book now to make sure you don’t miss Northern Ballet’s unique retelling of this remarkable woman’s story.

Age guidance 12+ contains adult themes.

northernballet.com/cleopatra

giselle

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Northern Ballet première

A traditional version of one of the greatest romantic ballets, Giselle follows the story of a young peasant girl who falls in love with the handsome Prince Albrecht. On finding her love is unrequited, and weakened by ill health, Giselle dies. She is summoned from her grave by the Wilis, the spirits of women betrayed before their wedding days who return to take vengeance on men by dancing them to death. Giselle saves the remorseful Albrecht from his certain fate proving that love can conquer all – even death.

See Northern Ballet bring together the traditional classical steps by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot with the passion and emotion for which the Company are renowned.

Giselle is staged for Northern Ballet by Yoko Ichino, who has danced the lead role many times for some of the world’s greatest companies. With sets and costumes supplied by English National Ballet, and the traditional score by Adolphe Adam performed live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, it’s an unmissable production for all ballet fans.

Giselle Performance dates Leeds Grand TheatreWed 25 – Sat 28 MayBox Office 0844 848 2701leedsgrandtheatre.com

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Pippa Moore as Giselle and Javier Torres as Prince Albrecht.

Photos Jason Tozer.

northernballet.com/giselle

‘this Hamlet has a theatrical power and energy that make it thoroughly compelling’The Mail on Sunday

Tobias Batley as Hamlet. Photo Jason Tozer.

hamlet

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How would you feel if you arrived home to find everything you had ever known and loved destroyed?

Surrounded by the terrifying events of the Nazi occupation of Paris, and witness to the depths to which man can descend, Hamlet finds himself drawn into a world he can no longer make sense of and surrounded by people he can no longer trust.

Masters of dramatic dance making, Northern Ballet use powerful dance, gripping theatre and stirring live music to draw you deeper into Shakespeare’s famous tragedy than you’ve ever been before.

Age guidance 12+ contains scenes of sex and violence.

Hamlet Performance dates West Yorkshire PlayhouseFri 9 – Sat 17 SeptemberBox Office 0113 213 7700 wyp.org.uk

Sheffield Lyceum TheatreTue 20 – Sat 24 SeptemberBox Office 0114 249 6000sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Left Christopher Hinton-Lewis as Hamlet and Georgina May as Ophelia Right Darren Goldsmith as Claudius and Nathalie Léger as Gertrude. Photos Dee Conway.

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Leeds season sponsor

‘A Christmas cracker by a star Company’Sunday Express

Pippa Moore as Clara. Photo Jason Tozer.

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Christmas Eve in the twinkling drawing room of the Edwards’ family home. Amidst the commotion the fire crackles and the pile of presents grows ever taller.

Uncle Drosselmeyer’s curious box of performing toys captivates the children and adults alike, but it is the wooden Nutcracker doll that enchants young Clara most.

Share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker prince into a magical winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy. Performed to Tchaikovsky’s enduring score, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, The Nutcracker awakens childlike imagination in us all.

With everything you expect from this traditional favourite and Northern Ballet’s unique magic scattered throughout, book now for this unmissable ballet.

The Nutcracker Performance dates Aylesbury Waterside TheatreTue 25 – Sat 29 October0844 871 7614ambassadortickets.com/aylesbury

Canterbury Marlowe TheatreTue 1 – Sat 5 November01227 787787marlowetheatre.com

Bradford Alhambra TheatreTue 8 – Sat 12 November01274 432000bradford-theatres.co.uk

Newcastle Theatre RoyalTue 15 – Sat 19 November08448 11 21 21theatreroyal.co.uk

Manchester Opera HouseTue 22 – Sat 26 November0844 847 2484manchesteroperahouse.org.uk

The Mouse King & The Nutcracker Prince. Photo Bill Cooper.

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Michela Paolacci as Beauty. Photo Jason Tozer.

beauty& the beast

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World première

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Northern Ballet at Leeds Grand Theatre and this year we continue the tradition with a new production of Beauty & the Beast.

This enchanting adaptation of the classic fairytale follows the success of A Christmas Carol, Peter Pan and The Nutcracker as a must-see Christmas treat for the whole family.

Accompanied by an infectious score, including music by Bizet, Debussy, Poulenc and Fauré, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, we will bring our irresistable magic to this classic fairy tale.

Make sure you book now to secure your seats for our World première performances.

Beauty & the Beast Performance dates Leeds Grand TheatreSat 17 – Sat 31 DecemberBox Office 0844 848 2701 leedsgrandtheatre.com

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World première

Yi Song as The Prince. Photo Jason Tozer.

what’s on@ home

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Top Northern Ballet dancers. Photo Bill Cooper. Bottom left Northern Ballet Sinfonia concept image by Design IT. Bottom right Phoenix Dance Theatre Declarations. Photo Hanson.

Earlier this year we officially opened our new home in central Leeds which we share with Phoenix Dance Theatre. Our new facilities include a 230-seat Theatre in which we can present performances by Northern Ballet, our Sinfonia, Academy and Learning programmes, and Phoenix Dance Theatre. We also offer it as a space for other artists and organisations to present their work.

This year sees a growing number of events taking place so keep visiting northernballet.com/boxoffice or join our e-newsletter for regular programme updates.

Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatreat Northern Ballet

Northern Ballet & Phoenix Dance performancesEvent Date

Northern Ballet Sinfonia String trio Thu 9 June

Northern Ballet Choreographic Showcases Fri 17 – Sat 18 June

Wayne Sleep and former Northern Ballet dancers Precious little sleep

Sun 19 June

Northern Ballet Sinfonia Violin/Piano duo Thu 1 September

Phoenix Dance Theatre Declarations Thu 22 – Sat 24 September

Northern Ballet Sinfonia Brass Quintet Thu 8 December

Events presented by Leeds Met Gallery & Studio Theatre

Ellie Harrison Etiquette of Grief Thu 12 May

Stacy Makishi There’s a hole in my heart Wed 18 May

Search Party Growing Old with You Thu 26 May

Book nowBox Office 0113 220 8008Online northernballet.com/box office

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classes for everyoneDevelop your passion for dance in Northern Ballet’s new state-of-the-art facilities in Leeds City Centre. Whatever your age or ability – from tiny tots to the over 55s, beginners classes to advanced training – Northern Ballet has a class for you.

All our classes are taught by fully trained, experienced and friendly dance professionals.

To see our full range of classes, including ballet, jazz and contemporary visit www.northernballet.com/classes or for an informal chat call 0113 220 8000.

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Photos Martin Bell, Hannah

Kirkpatrick, Brian Slater &

Jonathan Taylor.

Our new home is the perfect location for your event. From conferences to personal celebrations, our stunning building in Leeds City Centre places your event centre stage.

With a range of fantastic spaces equipped with the latest facilities, in house catering and a personal events manager, we will ensure your event at Northern Ballet impresses.

To discuss your individual requirements and to have a tour of the building please contact Shaun Daniels on 0113 220 8000 / shaun.daniels@northernballet.com

much moreinside

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Photo Jonathan Taylor.

More from Northern Ballet

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Let’s be friendsBecoming a Friend or Patron of Northern Ballet, from just £1 a month, is a great way to get more from Northern Ballet. As well as receiving ticket discounts at all of the venues on our UK tour, you’ll also be able to watch dress rehearsals, get sneak previews of new work and opportunities to meet the dancers.

Friends and Patron’s memberships start from £50 per annum (£30 for concessions). For full details of the benefits and to join go to northernballet.com/friends or contact Judith Baker on 0113 220 8000 / judith.baker@northernballet.com

Premium packagesIf you’re looking for something extra special, we can arrange premium packages to include the very best tickets to a Northern Ballet performance, drinks, the chance to go backstage and meet the dancers and signed programmes and posters. We can also arrange dinner and accommodation with carefully selected restaurants and hotels.

For more information contactEmma Mooney on 0113 220 8000 /emma.mooney@northernballet.com

Rachael Gillespie and Michela Paolacci in the wings.

Photo Lisa Stonehouse.

Northern Ballet 2011 performances at a glanceDate Event Venue 17 – 21 May Cleopatra London Sadler’s Wells 25 – 28 May Giselle Leeds Grand Theatre 9 June Northern Ballet Sinfonia Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre String trio17 – 18 June Northern Ballet Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre Choreographic Showcases 1 September Northern Ballet Sinfonia Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre Violin/Piano duo9 – 17 September Hamlet Leeds West Yorkshire Playhouse 20 – 24 September Hamlet Sheffield Lyceum Theatre 27 September – 1 October Cleopatra Nottingham Theatre Royal 4 – 8 October Cleopatra Woking New Victoria Theatre 11 – 15 October Cleopatra Norwich Theatre Royal 25 – 29 October The Nutcracker Aylesbury Waterside Theatre1 – 5 November The Nutcracker Canterbury Marlowe Theatre8 – 12 November The Nutcracker Bradford Alhambra Theatre15 – 19 November The Nutcracker Newcastle Theatre Royal22 – 26 November The Nutcracker Manchester Opera House8 December Northern Ballet Sinfonia Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre Brass Quintet17 – 31 December World première Leeds Grand Theatre Beauty & the Beast

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Martha Leebolt as Cleopatra and Javier Torres as

Julius Caesar in Cleopatra. Photo Bill Cooper.

www.northernballet.comRegistered charity no 259140. Company registration no 947096.VAT no 146630766. Northern Ballet Theatre Ltd trading as Northern Ballet.Registered in England and Wales. Company limited by guarantee and share capital.Design Design IT

Northern BalletQuarry HillLeedsLS2 7PA Tel 0113 220 8000Fax 0113 220 8001