Classic fable to take to stage in family ballet

Northern Ballet’s production of Tortoise & the Hare will be performed at the Grove Theatre on February 12.

Tortoise & the Hare is a re-imagining of Aesop’s much-loved fable of a tortoise who, tired of being teased for his slowness, challenges a speedy hare to a race. Lasting about 40 minutes, the ballet has been created especially for children and young families to experience and enjoy live dance, music and theatre.

Tortoise & the Hare is the latest in the Company’s award-winning series of Short Ballets for Small People, following on from the sell-out successes of Ugly Duckling, Three Little Pigs and Elves & the Shoemaker.

Choreographed by Northern Ballet dancers Dreda Blow and Sebastian Loe, this is the second children’s ballet by the pair, who created Ugly Duckling in 2012, later adapted into a BAFTA winning programme for CBeebies. The production includes an original score composed by Bruno Merz, set designs by Ali Allen and live music performed by members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

Daniel de Andrade, Northern Ballet’s artistic director of Short Ballets for Small People, said: ‘These ballets are classic tales beautifully retold through dance and are the perfect introduction to ballet for children and young families. It will provide a wonderful opportunity for children and their families to enjoy live performances and will hopefully inspire a new-found love for dance, music and theatre.”

Tickets cost £6 before fees. Call 01582 60 20 80 or visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk to book.