It takes skill and talent to write a story without words, but with the help of Dickens, Northern Ballet’s team of creatives have done it. First take the directive talents of Christopher Gable, mix the music of Carl Davis with the choreography of Massimo Moricone, put it amongst the stage design of Lez Brotherston add the inspired lighting of Paul Pyant and magic takes place before your eyes. This ballet was so good it was over before you were aware it had started — where did the time go? A delightful evening of theatre.

The audience arrives and take their seats to see the snow falling and a Victorian scene unfolding before their eyes. Shock horror as they see a funeral procession and the musical chant of “Marley is dead” which quickly changes into a joyful rendition of the carol “God Rest Ye merry Gentlemen” and the story is away into the colours and attitudes of a Victorian Christmas festival. The well known Dickens’ story then begins with the characters going about their allotted tasks and giving joy to the packed audience seated before them. Jeremy Kerridge as Scrooge played his part to perfection until you wondered would he ever dance, but when he did it was worth waiting for — it was great. His put upon assistant Bob Cratchet played by Daniel de Andrade also got his chance to shine when he danced. The rest of the cast ably contributed to the overall delight of the evening. This was a team evening when Northern Ballet showed what they could do and enjoyed themselves doing it. Not a ballet to be told about, but one to make every effort to go and see. It bubbled along bringing back to life memories of Christmas’s past. The costumes were just right with the costume of Christmas Future inspirational. Even the scene changing became as one with the ballet. The bonus was the singing which was the Christmas sound. Add all this to the playing of the orchestra under the direction of Brett Morris and you have something out of the ordinary.

It would be nice to show a picture of what the audience experienced, but alas non were sent. So you will have to find out where this ballet is being danced and imagine it is the later part of the nineteenth century as you make your way to the theatre. You will enjoy what you see, it’s delightful. © BA

“A Christmas Carol” is in Hull from the 2Oth of November until the 24th of November, 2001. Then on the following dates and venues at 27 November - 1st December New Victoria Theatre, Woking, 4th - 8th December Theatre Royal, Bath, 24th December - 5th January, 2002 Grand Theatre, Leeds.