Gothic ballet marks major milestone for Northern Ballet and Leeds Playhouse

Leeds Playhouse
29 October – 2 November 2019

Next week Leeds will play host to milestone moments for two of the city’s flagship cultural organisations when Northern Ballet returns to Leeds Playhouse with Dracula. The performances of Dracula from 29 October – 2 November will be Leeds Playhouse’s first large-scale production following its reopening. In addition, the performance on Halloween will see Northern Ballet make its live cinema debut as the performance is screened direct into cinemas across the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Adapted from the novel by Bram Stoker, Northern Ballet’s Dracula reveals the tormented world of the immortal count. A creature who should inspire repulsion in every living thing, instead Dracula has mesmerised people for over 100 years. A dark and enthralling tale, Dracula travels to England in pursuit of the beguiling Mina, but as the pair succumb to their mysterious lust, the hunter becomes the hunted.

David Nixon OBE, Artistic Director of Northern Ballet, said: ‘Northern Ballet has been performing at the Playhouse for many years and we have gained an enthusiastic and loyal audience. We missed performing there while renovations were underway and so we are really looking forward to returning and hope that this new phase in our relationship is the first of many more successful visits to come.

These performances of Dracula are particularly exciting for our company as the performance on Halloween will be the first Northern Ballet production to ever be broadcast live into cinemas. Northern Ballet is committed to bringing our ballets to as many people and places as possible and this will enable even more people to access our production. Our adaptation of Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire is a ballet full of sensuality and darkness; it’s perfect viewing for Halloween.’

Dracula is choreographed and directed by Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director David Nixon OBE, who has also designed the costumes. It is performed to a score compiled of music by Alfred Schnittke, Sergei Rachmaninov, Arvo Pärt and Michael Daugherty. The gothic set is designed by Ali Allen, with lighting designed by Tim Mitchell.
The live cinema broadcast of Dracula will be hosted by BBC star Anita Rani on 31 October and includes a bonus film following Premier Dancer Javier Torres as he prepares to take to the stage as the infamous vampire.

For details on participating cinemas and to book tickets, visit northernballet.com/cinema

Tickets for performances at Leeds Playhouse are selling fast. For latest availability see leedsplayhouse.org.uk or call the Box Office on 0113 213 7700.