Showing posts sorted by relevance for query David Nixon. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query David Nixon. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday 30 November 2018

The Nutcracker (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


The Nutcracker (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 29th November 2018 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

As the festive season steps up a gear, it seems only fitting that The Nutcracker should be required viewing, and the Northern Ballet's current production provides festivity and magic in abundance. David Nixon's choreography and a sublimely talented cast make this an enchanting show, which exudes youth and generates a true feel-good factor. 

The Northern Ballet Sinfonia lead the show musically with control and effectiveness. Showing off Tchaikovsky's stunning score, they are led fearlessly and faultlessly by Brett Morris.

Other than the dancing, this is a visually stunning show thanks to Charles Cusick Smith's inventive and luxurious set which not only frames the choreography but adds another level of intricacy and interest. Act III's Garden of Delights is especially mesmerising thanks to the beautiful tones of burgundy, gold, peach and green which are woven into both the set and costumes (David Nixon). The Russian Cossacks, French Ballet Dancers and Arabian Princesses are all incredibly unique in design but work cohesively to create a strong flow throughout. 



Despite these intricacies, the more simplistic moments are also incredibly moving, such as the Pas De Deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy (Antoinette Brooks-Daw) and Cavalier (Kevin Poeung) which despite being surrounded by opulence, is purely focussed on the faultless ballet. 

Ommaira Kanga Perez's beaming smile and innocent attitude is perfect for the young Clara who is overwhelmed by a world of magic and sparkle, just like the audience watching her.  Literally brought to life by glitter, our Prince, Riku Ito is outstanding. Mention also goes to Harris Beattie and Natalia Kerner who caught the eye from the start, Mlindi Kulashi who is suitably mystical and attractive as Drosselmeyer and the Mouse King (Lorenzo Trossello) who gave a fully humourous performance, including flossing which brought the piece right up to date.

The Northern Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a real treat of a show that has magic and enchantment that will keep both adults and children entertained and enthralled.

The Nutcracker runs at the New Victoria Theatre until December 1st before continuing it's tour.

photo credit: Emma Kauldhar

Wednesday 22 November 2017

The Little Mermaid (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


The Little Mermaid 
New Victoria Theatre 
Reviewed on Tuesday 21st November 2017 by Melanie Mitchell 
★★★★★

Being a ballet novice, having only seen 2 before, I was a little unsure what to expect from this production. I have to say, that in my humble opinion, The Little Mermaid is a masterful adaptation, especially as the idea to create a completely new ballet was only borne in September 2016. David Nixon and his team have produced a stunning piece of work in only 13 months. 

Most of us know the story of The Little Mermaid from the now famous Disney film and show, however those of us, perhaps a bit older will remember the much darker and sinister tale by Hans Christian Anderson. This is the tale on which the production is based. 

After seeing the picture of a handsome young prince in a locket, Marilla a young mermaid falls in love. On rescuing the prince from a shipwreck she longs to be with him and sacrifices her beautiful voice in exchange for human life. Although she is able to walk, every step causes her unimaginable pain, yet she is unable to cry. The principle dancer made this feeling so palpable with her agonised movement and silent screams. 

Disorientated the prince awakens and mistakes a passing girl for the owner of the beautiful voice he had previously heard, the mermaid is now unable to tell him that it was her, shattering her dreams and aspirations. This production doesn’t have the happy ever after of the Disney story and is true to the Hans Christian Anderson original with its moral core. 


The staging and costumes are stunning, with the colours and fabrics perfectly reflecting the magical dwellers of the sea and the hard solid land. Absolutely transporting the audience to the ethereal reflective underwater world. 

The dancers especially the principles and soloists are magnificent, moving with absolute grace and ease. The strength of the male dancers is incredible with the females looking absolutely weightless as if under the waves at times. I wondered how it would be possible to give the impression of the graceful movements of the mermaids. This has certainly been achieved and it is truly mesmerising. 

The music, an original score composed by Sally Beamish is hauntingly beautiful throughout, perfectly suiting and setting the tone and mood to every scene. It is played wonderfully by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, with John Pryce-Jones as its musical director. 

This World Premiere production makes for a truly magical evening at the theatre. If you are already a lover of the ballet, a newcomer as I am, or have never seen one, then I urge you to see it if you can and be immersed into the mystical, magical underwater world.

Friday 11 November 2022

The Nutcracker, (Northern Ballet Tour) New Victoria Theatre | Review


The Nutcracker (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 10th November 2022 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

Returning to the New Victoria Theatre, Woking after its triumphant run in 2018, Northern Ballet's The Nutcracker is just as magical as ever and a must see this festive season. This enchantingly magical show is brought to life by a stunningly talented cast and completely embodies joy and magic.

David Nixon's choreography makes this a spectacle of a show that fits perfectly on a touring stage whilst still providing a wow factor. Whilst it's not quite as intricate or dark as other productions, it's a real sweet treat that's perfect for all ages and thanks to the talented dancers every step is performed to perfection.

Not a moment of Tchaikovsky's glorious score is wasted in this show, from the overture we are introduced to a number of characters who scurry around the front of the stage preparing the grand house for its Christmas party. Small details are a real feature of this production, especially during Act One when there are multiple engagements and mini plot lines going on between characters. This attention to detail makes it really engaging and makes the whole Christmas party feel incredibly realistic- there's even Grandpa (Wesley Branch) drunkenly falling over!

We're soon introduced to Clara who is played wonderfully by Rachael Gillespie, who's beaming smile and childlike wonder exude from the stage and make the audience share in her joy.  As her Nutcracker Prince, Harris Beattie is dashing to watch and he sparkles on stage like the glitter he was created with. The duo's Pax de Deux against the snowy backdrop is truly magical.

It in Act Two when a lot of the real magic happens, with a number of absolutely breathtaking moments. Perhaps the most magical being the Sugar Plum Fairy (Saeka Shirai) solo and Pax de Deux with her Cavalier (Jonathan Hanks), both of which are completely mesmerising. Despite the stage being filled with opulent sets, the audience can't help but watch only the dancers, and Saeka's solo especially, is a true showcase of ballet at its finest.

As Drosselmeyer Gavin McCaig is mystical and a dream to watch as his magical, glittering cape flows around him. Bruno Serraclara is witty as the Mouse King and each and every soloist is wonderful.

Aside from the dancing, this is a visually and aurally pleasing show. The Northern Ballet Sinfonia do complete justice to the glorious music, and under the baton of Jonathan Lo they sound utterly virtuosic. Charles Cusick Smith's set alongside Mark Jonathan's lighting are a design match made in heaven; perfectly balancing magic and spectacle, whilst also allowing dance to be the star of the show.

The Northern Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is everything you could want in the lead up to Christmas. Enchantment paired with stellar dancing means you'll have a captivating time, whether you're an adult or child.

photo credit: Emma Kauldhar