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It has some of Tchaikovsky's most popular music, but The Nutcracker is not the easiest ballet to stage. Act One is mainly storytelling while Act Two can appear simply as a sequence of divertissements. True to the company's name, Ballet Theatre UK's artistic director and choreographer Christopher Moore has devised a scenario which makes sense to even the younger members of the audience. The father of Clara (Helena Casado Cortes) owns a chocolate business (eat your heart out, Willy Wonka!) and lives in considerable late 19th century style.
As well as his (adult) guests for the Christmas Eve party, we meet his staff and in particular young Molly (Kazuka Oike), who is Clara's friend as well as maid. (Moore dispenses with Drosselmeyer, as well as Clara's brother and the other children). One guest gives Clara a life-sized doll (Julia Davies), and her antics – part Coppélia, part Olympia from Les contes d'Hoffmann – have a slightly sinister air. Of course, the present Clara really adores is that of the nutcracker, which comes to life as a handsome soldier (David Brewer) who is attacked by some nasty-looking rats (sporting excellent animal masks).
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker
Moore's choreography has some engaging dances for the staff as well as elegant ones for the guests and lyrical solos for Clara. Casado Cortes pas-de-deux with Brewer contains some neat turns and graceful lifts. Then we're in the Kingdom of the Sweets for Act Two, which has the type of display choreography familiar from Ivanov and Petipa, as well as featuring some more of Daniel Hope's witty costumes and headdresses. Sweets to be sampled include humbugs (dashing in black and silver), sea-green peppermints, Turkish delights (for the Arabian dance) and candy-floss ( complete with stiffly-whipped headgear). Natalie Cawte and Luca Varone produce the requisite fireworks as the sugar-plum fairy and her cavalier and deserve their applause. This may be a young company but it has high standards.
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Clara - Sarah Mortimer
Images from our latest NEW production touring the UK and Ireland... The Nutcracker Adding a new slant on this classic production Ballet Theatre UK are providing sell out audience across the UK with a delightfully enchanting evening of pure festive fun.
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker House Staff
With the story set in a grand decadent Edwardian home of a infamous chocolatier the production has a new lease of life with stunning costumes, witty and innovative chorography and beautiful dancers that come together in a truly breath taking production.
With the original essence of the traditional ballet the company capture the magic of the battle and the grace of The Snow Waltz. The second half sees the introduction of some new diverts including Candy Floss, Humbugs, Cream Cakes and the sensual Turkish Delight topped off with the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy... Take a look at some images from the productions dress rehearsal; For Tour Dates visit our website; www.BalletTheatreUK.com
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Mother and Father Claire Corruble and Vincent Cabot
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker The Party - Unveiling of the Sweets
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Maids - Helen Casado Cortes
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Clara - Sarah Mortimer
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker The Party Guests
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Mother and Father Claire Corruble and Vincent Cabot
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Clara - Sarah Mortimer
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker The Battle The Mouse King - David Brewer
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker The Battle
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Clara and The Nutcracker Sarah Mortimer and Luca Varone
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Clara, The Nutcracker and The Ice Princess Sarah Mortimer, Luca Varone and Jessica Hill
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker The Snow Waltz
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker The Snow Waltz
Ice Princess - Jessica Hill
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Sugar Plum Fairy Claire Corruble and Vincent Cabot
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Sugar Plum Fairy Claire Corruble and Vincent Cabot
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Humbugs - Kazuka Okie and David Brewer
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Sugar Plum Fairy Claire Corruble
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker The Dew Drop Fairy Julia Davies and David Brewer
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Cream Cakes - Kazuka Okie
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Clara and The Nutcracker Sarah Mortimer and Luca Varone
Ballet Theatre UK - The Nutcracker Clara - Sarah Mortimer
Saturday, 27 July 2013
David Brewer - The Nutcracker Ballet Theatre UK's The Nutcracker
As Britain Enjoys The Sun, BTUK are thinking of Christmas!
As the sun continues to shine across the UK the company turns its thoughts to up coming new addition to the repertoire with the creation of a new Nutcracker. Showcasing a completely new look for the production, setting the story in the grand decadent world of an Edwardian Manor House the story follows Clara through her magical adventure. With all new hand crafted costumes this production promises to offer you a festive night to remember...
Take a look at some images from our recent photo shoot for the production; Photography - Chaz Barnes
Kazuka Oike - Clara
Ballet Theatre UK's The Nutcracker
Make Up - Sian Revil Costumes - Daniel Hope
Narissa Course - The Sugar Plum Fairy
Ballet Theatre UK's The Nutcracker
Jessica Hill - The Snow Fairy
Ballet Theatre UK's The Nutcracker
Monday, 17 June 2013
Another Excellent Review for Alice....
As we come to the end of the season we are still being inundated with fantastic audience feedback and press reviews for you latest new production Alice in Wonderland.
If you have yet to see this production time is running out with only 2 performances left. For ticket information please visit out website;
New dance company Ballet Theatre UK has created an enchanting ballet for the whole family
Alice in Wonderland by Ballet Theatre UK
Ballet Theatre UK presents Alice in Wonderland
Sunday, June 16
South Hill Park, Bracknell
Despite only forming five years ago Ballet Theatre UK is quickly establishing itself as one of the most innovative companies on the touring circuit.
And if the charm and wit of Alice in Wonderland is anything to go by, it won't be long before the company is setting sights on the international market too.
Lewis Carroll's classic children's tale lends itself superbly to the ballet world, with each of Alice's encounters (the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts) making a charming vignette.
Characterisation is cleverly achieved with the Cheshire Cat (Helena Casado Cortes) licking her paws and slinking around the set, and The White Rabbit ( Inês Ferreira) bunny-hopping in between leaps.
Fusing classical ballet with contemporary, theatrical twists, Alice in Wonderland is simply enchanting.Reading-born dancer Julia Davies takes the title role, giving a strong performance of a delicate and innocent Alice.
A scene with the Caterpillar (Vincent Cabot) leaves audiences smiling at its cleverness, and the 'drink me' scene is packed with wit - guaranteed to prompt a laugh when a slice of cake causes Alice to shrink to doll like proportions.
Jessica Hill is wonderful as the Queen of Hearts, glaring at the audience and stomping around the stage, or at least as much as it is possible to do so on pointe.
Costumes are dazzling, from Alice's tulle skirts and The Queen of Hearts' bright red tutu, to the animal ears of the White Rabbit and Dormouse.
The animal characters and colourful costumes make Alice in Wonderland ideal for families and young faces in the audience seemed enthralled.
Ballet Theatre UK is like ballet for beginners, only with enough skill and charm to keep experienced theatre-goers as entertained as those watching for the first time.
Tumbling down the rabbit hole has never been quite so fun.
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Ballet Theatre UK - The Little Mermaid Featuring Sarah Mortimer as The Little Mermaid Touring the UK and Ireland Spring 2014
Coming Spring 2014 ... The Little Mermaid WORLD PREMIERE
Ballet Theatre UK are proud to announce our 2014 spring production of The Little Mermaid, touring the UK and Ireland Spring 2014. Join Ballet Theatre UK on this dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all-time favourite story of The Little Mermaid, who falls in love with a human Prince and gives up everything to win his love.
The kind hearted Little Mermaid rescues the Prince during a storm at sea, and begins a journey that takes her far from her home beneath the waves.
Determined to pursue her love on to the shore she makes a bargain with an evil Sea Witch, but it comes at a heavy price. Ballet Theatre UK’s charming and poignant ballet explores the nature of longing, how making choices have lasting consequences and how goodness can be rewarded in unexpected ways. Join Ballet Theatre UK for this new production touring the UK and Ireland Spring 2014.
“Glittering costumes, expressive dancers...a pleasure to witness a production of this calibre” - Dance Europe
Critics Choice - “Top Five Dance Productions Touring the UK” - The Independent
“A ballet company of great achievement” - The Dancing Times
Monday, 29 April 2013
Sarah Mortimer - Breakin' Pointe
Ballet Theatre UK
Touring June 2013
Breakin' Pointe - Touring June 2013
Later this year Ballet Theatre UK will join forces with the infamous urban dance crew
Original Movements, in a fantastic fusion of urban Hip Hop and classical
ballet styles.
Breakin' Pointe is a powerful blend of
high energy dance styles set against a ‘mash up' sound track of your
favorite ballet tunes and current pop beats.
This is a unique opportunity to see some
of the countries most talented classical and urban dancers from these
elite dance companies, as they perform exciting and dynamic choreography
way beyond their pre-conceived limitations.
Ballet Theatre UK and Original Movements
promise to have I you popin' and pirouetting in the aisles with this
fantastic celebration of dance and music.
For Tour Dates visit our website or ClickHere www.BalletTheatreUK.com
Highlights From Alice in Wonderland
Touring the UK and Ireland Spring 2013
Friday, 5 April 2013
Alice & Knave of Hearts Pas de Deux Jessica Hill, Joseph Mackie Graves Alice in Wonderland - Ballet Theatre UK
Fantastic Start to the Tour with Two Brilliant Reviews in the first Weekend.... A huge congratulations to Christopher Moore and the whole company and their latest instalment, Alice in Wonderland. Following in the companies style of classical ballet mixed with theatre and story telling, this production promises to offer a perfect night out for the whole family you will not forget. Taking inspiration from both Alice in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass, this tale follows Alice's journey from her home into a land of fantasy. Hailed as a four star success by WhatsonStage and "A ballet brimming with colour, wit and spectacle to charm all ages" by The Blackpool Gazette, this production seems to be one not to miss! Full Article for both reviews below; WhatsonStage - Review Date Reviewed: Creating a new ballet based on a well-loved story is never going to be an easy task; there are so many different elements involved. Ballet Theatre UK's director Christopher Moore as chosen Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland for his new touring production aimed at family audiences. It works splendidly, thanks to excellent design (Daniel Hope and Moore himself) and some good performances by its young cast.
Card Waltz Alice in Wonderland - Ballet Theatre UK
Our heroine (Julia Davies) establishes herself as a dreamer with her introductory solo, which then flows seamlessly into a pas de troiswith her older sisters and then to the picnic with their patience-playing governess. The choreography is attractive to watch with neat pointe work and some intriguing lifts. Once Alice encounters the White Rabbit ([Inês Ferreira]) we are firmly in the world of fantasy. There's a clever use of portable doors as Alice manoevres her way into Wonderland. Vincent Cabot is the most suave of Cowardesque caterpillars and Helena Casado Cortes a Cheshire Cat with very sharp claws. Act Two introduces us to the Mad Hatter's tea party with its perambulating tables (squared-off gingham tutus). Joseph Mackie Graves was the limber Mad Hatter at the performance I saw, with Natalie Cawte as the tip-toeing Dormouse and Luca Varone as the March Hare. Once Alice reaches the realm of the icy Queen of Hearts, Jessica Hill, with its scandal-mongering roses, her fledgling romance with David Brewer's Knave of Hearts is imperilled by the luscious tarts that he has fed to her rather than to his Queen and she has to effect his rescue by shattering and scattering the cards of her waking dream. With Simon Paterson's eclectic score derived from some familiar and other less obvious tunes, this is an excellent introduction to classical ballet for young people. What's more, their elders could enjoy its visual wit even more.
There is nothing better for an Easter Sunday afternoon than a traditional tale to keep all the family enthralled - and Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic always fits the bill.
But this was an Alice with a difference - on the ballet stage and brimming with colour, wit and spectacle to charm all ages.
Alice in the Flower Garden Alice - Jessica Hill Alice in Wonderland - Ballet Theatre UK
It was refreshing to find a ballet which appeals to youngsters who have perhaps outgrown Angelina Ballerina but are not yet ready to sit through a full-scale production of the likes of Swan Lake or The Nutcracker.
This delightful production by Ballet Theatre UK, set to music by Tchaikovsky arranged by Simon Paterson, ticked all the boxes in terms of family entertainment.
It was packed with impressive performances, led by Jessica Hill as Alice and all the favourite characters were there, from the Queen and Knave of Hearts, to the Mad Hatter and March Hare, White Rabbit and an imaginatively-portrayed Caterpillar.
The colourful costumes, the highlights of which included a quartet of dancers dressed as fully-laden tables for the tea party scene, were memorable throughout and Christopher Moore’s direction was eye-catchingly spectacular yet in many ways minimalist at the same time.
The company even seamlessly overcame a breakdown in the sound system soon after the interval to take the entertainment to new levels as the second act progressed.
All in all, an ideal blend of the modern and the traditional - and a delightful way for a family to spend a Bank Holiday weekend afternoon.
Next stop for the tour....
Sat 6th at 2.30pm & 7.30pm - The Lights, Andover - 01264 368368
Sun 7th at 2.30pm & 6.00pm - Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury - 01635 244246
Friday, 15 March 2013
Ballet Theatre UK - Alice in Wonderland Alice
Images from Ballet Theatre UK's Shoot for Alice in Wonderland
Ballet Theatre UK - Alice in Wonderland The Queen of Hearts
Ballet Theatre UK - Alice in Wonderland The Knave of Hearts
Ballet Theatre UK - Alice in Wonderland The Mad Hatter
Ballet Theatre UK - Alice in Wonderland The White Rabbit
Ballet Theatre UK - Alice in Wonderland The Queen of Hearts
Ballet Theatre UK - Alice in Wonderland Alice and The Mad Hatter
