Northern Ballet's charming revival of A Christmas Carol is closely based on Dickens's original story, but adapted to provide opportunities for creative interpretation of character and relationships as expressed through dance.
In an introductory programme note, director Federico Bonelli refers to "the enduring cultural relevance of the book" and "its powerful message of redemption, compassion and the spirit of giving."
The ballet starts with a sombre scene: the unattended funeral of Jacob Marley, Scrooge's business partner, who is as feared and hated as Scrooge himself. Jonathan Hanks establishes Scrooge's character in early scenes where he bullies his poor but kindly clerk, Bob Cratchit, and drives away needy people begging for alms.
The tale unfolds with dynamic, full-company scenes contrasting with solos and duets. An early duet between Jun Ishii and Sarah Chun (Nephew and Nephew's wife) is full of youthful energy and excited anticipation of Christmas joy.
Scrooge goes alone to his single bed on Christmas Eve and has disturbing dreams. He is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley, who drags heavy chains behind him, and soon after by The Ghost of Christmas Past, beautifully performed by Saeka Shirai, who takes him back to his family home and an early sweetheart who rejected him when she realised the his main love was 'Gain'. A moving and emotional duet is performed by George Liang (Young Scrooge) and Dominiqe Larose, his disappointed lover, Belle.
Scrooge returns to his lonely bed and is subsequently disturbed by The Ghost of Christmas Present (Harry Skoupas), who takes him to a happy family party at the home of Bob Cratchit, which he cannot be part of. This Ghost is covered in flowers and reveals that even those who have nothing can be happy.
The most terrifying Ghost then appears. This is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Costume design is stunning throughout the show, but here the large team responsible has excelled itself. A costume of trailing, flying rags as Andrew Tomlinson spins and twirls.
These highly dramatic scenes are opportunities for the solo performers to display their skills, and the audience is delighted by athletic leaps and feats of balance as well as sensitive and emotive characterisation. There is huge talent in the company, which is expressed in the many full-company scenes, often humorous, always entertaining with additional talented children who perform with maturity.
One of the many effective company scenes shows a lively party at the counting house of Fezziwig and family, where Bruno Serraclara and Amber Lewis (Mr and Mrs Fezziwig) find plenty of comic business in tumbling falls.
This delightful production is starting its run towards Christmas and is a joyful Christmas show. Scenes are bound together by carols, hymns, children's rhymes and much more, which enrich the storyline with pleasing music, often sung by the cast. A treat!