Don’t miss Northern Ballet’s 1984 making its TV debut this weekend.
Dedicated dance fans, literary lovers and telly addicts alike are in for a thrill this weekend as Northern Ballet’s critically acclaimed production of 1984 is being broadcast on BBC Four on Sunday (Feb 28).
New city audiences flock to see Northern Ballet, the widest touring ballet company in the UK, perform at Milton Keynes Theatre on an annual basis. Indeed, the dancers will return with their interpretation of Swan Lake (perhaps the most famous classical ballet in the world) and Tortoise & the Hare (the latest in their charming series of ballets devised especially for children) in April.
Fortunately for those of us who just can’t wait that long to get our Northern Ballet fix, the small-screen showing of their newest work means we will be able to enjoy all the slick moves, storytelling and suspense from the comfort of our sofas.
Based on George Orwell’s masterpiece and created by former Royal Ballet dancer-turned-choreographer Jonathan Watkins, with an original score by Tony-nominated composer Alex Baranowski, 1984 will change the way audiences think about ballet.
Combining cutting-edge digital technology with boundary-breaking choreography, this production endeavours to bring Orwell’s dystopian vision to life with gripping intensity.
The narrative follows the exploits of the revolutionary and romantic Winston Smith. Winston lives in a world of absolute conformity where his every action is scrutinised by Big Brother, a sinister surveillance squad. However, when Winston meets Julia he dares to rebel by falling in love…
1984 premiered in Leeds in September 2015 and received rave reviews. The performance which will be broadcast on BBC Four was filmed during live performances at Manchester’s Palace Theatre on the first part of 1984’s world premiere tour.
The full-length production features Northern Ballet’s Premier Dancers Tobias Batley and Martha Leebolt in the leading roles of Winston Smith and Julia. Javier Torres plays O’Brien, a mysterious man and member of the Inner Party. O’Brien befriends Winston – but can he be trusted?
Choreographer Jonathan Watkins said: “I am thrilled to share 1984 and the performances by Northern Ballet’s wonderful dance actors with a wider audience. 1984 is a story that is perhaps more relevant now than ever before and is an ideal production for reaching new audiences and challenging pre-conceived ideas of what ballet is.”
Northern Ballet’s 1984 will be shown on BBC Four at 7.30pm on Sunday February 28 2016. It will subsequently be available on BBC iPlayer for 30 days.
> Audiences can see Northern Ballet perform 1984 live in Edinburgh, Southampton and London between March and May 2016. Tickets are on sale now. For tour dates and information on how to book visit northernballet.com/1984.
Trailer for 1984 on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RovzANTVo8o
> Northern Ballet will perform Swan Lake at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday April 26 until Saturday April 30 2016, with a performance of Tortoise & the Hare on Friday April 29 2016. Call the Box Office on 0844 871 7652 or visit http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/ to book.
Georgina Butler
For more dance and theatre news, reviews, features and interviews by Georgina, visit http://georginabutler.wordpress.com and follow her on Twitter @GeorginaLButler.
