New Northern ballet production to première in South Yorkshire

ONE of the country’s top ballet companies will perform its new production at Doncaster’s Cast Theatre this week.
Kevin Poeung and Filippo Di Vilio in The  Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Photo by Guy Farrow.Kevin Poeung and Filippo Di Vilio in The  Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Photo by Guy Farrow.
Kevin Poeung and Filippo Di Vilio in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Photo by Guy Farrow.

Northern Ballet has reimagined John Boyne’s bestselling novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas in a heart-breaking new production to première in Doncaster.

It will appear at Cast from Thursday until Saturday before embarking on a UK tour.

It is the first full-length dance adaptation of the world famous tale. 

Telling the story of an unlikely friendship blossoming through the disturbing events of World War Two, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas sees a child’s innocent curiosity lead to a devastating conclusion.

The dance adaptation is choreographed by Northern Ballet’s artistic associate Daniel de Andrade.

It will feature an original score by Oscar-nominated composer Gary Yershon, sets and costumes designed by Mark Bailey, lighting by Tim Mitchell, with dramatic coach Patricia Doyle completing the creative team.

Daniel de Andrade said: “I was challenged to develop new storytelling techniques which reflect the first person perspective of the book without shying away from representing the stark reality of the story’s setting.

“I was very conscious of doing justice to the tension between darkness and innocence in the original, without sanitising the awful events at its heart.”

Author John Boyne said: “Having already seen my novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas adapted for film and theatre, I’m excited to see Northern Ballet’s adaptation for dance.

“As a writer with two left feet, I will watch with fascination and envy the skill, grace and elegance of the performers on stage.

“I have no doubt that the company will only enhance my work with their particular talents.”

Following the hugely successful sell-out performances of its children’s ballets, Northern Ballet will also perform its new short ballet Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Cast on Saturday.

Performances of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas begin at 7.30pm each evening and tickets cost £18.50 for adults or £16.50 for concessions.

Performances of Goldilocks and the Three Bears are at 12.30pm and 2.30pm and tickets cost £8.50 for adults or £5.50 for concessions.

Tickets — which are selling quickly — can be bought online at www.castindoncaster.com or by calling the box office on 01302 303959.

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