Notorious lover comes to Milton Keynes

The Northern Ballet, famous for their unique approach to the art, creating new ballets from classical stories, have set their sights on one of history's most notorious lovers.
Northern Ballet launch of Casanova. Tobias Batley and Martha Leebolt. Picture by Emma KauldharNorthern Ballet launch of Casanova. Tobias Batley and Martha Leebolt. Picture by Emma Kauldhar
Northern Ballet launch of Casanova. Tobias Batley and Martha Leebolt. Picture by Emma Kauldhar

The internationally acclaimed company will transport audiences to decadent 18th century Venice with Casanova, telling the sensational story of the infamous Italian adventurer in a seductive masquerade of passion and politics.

The world premiere will take place in March next year, after which the production will tour to seven venues in the Spring, including MiltonKeynes Theatre.

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Commissioned by artistic director David Nixon OBE, Casanova will be the first full length ballet by award winning choreographer Kenneth Tindall.

The story focuses on fiercely intellectual Giacomo Casanova who leads a controversial life consumed by his desires.

He dabbles in careers as a scam artist, violinist, alchemist,spy and church cleric, but with a penchant for gambling and women his exploits lead him into a whirlwind of scandal and excess, leading to imprisonment and exile.

A true story so sensational it’s hard to believe it is real - showing Casanova is much more than just the infamous lover we have all heard of.

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The production will be set to an original score by modern classical, film and television composer Kerry Muzzey.

Sets and costumes will be designed by Tony and Olivier award winning Christopher Oram.

Lighting will be by Alastair West whose Northern Ballet credits include Jane Eyre which was recently performed at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury.

Choreographer Mr Tindall has previously worked with Northern Ballet on one act ballets.

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He said: “I am thrilled that my first full length ballet will be with Northern Ballet, a company that holds a special place for me.

“Casanova lived a life far richer and stranger than most fictions, and the physicality, theatricality and energy of his exploits make him a perfect subject for the stage.”

Mr Nixon said he was delighted to give Mr Tindall this opportunity with the company, where he spent the majority of his performing career and first began to choreograph.

Mr Nixon added: “Casanova’s story is one of sex, romance, intrigue and scandal and I am looking forward to surprising our audiences and challenging the idea of Casanova as nothing more than a prolific lover.”

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Casanova will be performed at Milton Keynes Theatre at 7.30pm from Wednesday April 19 - Saturday April 22 next year, with additional 2.30pm matinees on the Thursday and Saturday. Tickets from £14.90 to £40.90, box office 0844 871 7652, or book online at www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

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