Northern Ballet’s ‘Merlin’ returns to Yorkshire
The Editor
This autumn, audiences will be wowed as Northern Ballet’s spellbinding Merlin – an epic adventure of hope, heartache, love and magic, heads to Leeds (13 – 20 September) and Sheffield (4 – 8 November) as part of a nationwide tour.
Breathing new life into the origin story of this legendary character, this dazzling production explores how the young and inexperienced sorcerer mastered his magic to unite a warring kingdom. The fantastical production also re-imagines the source stories of well-known female characters from Arthurian legend including the powerful enchantress, Morgan le Fae and the mystical Lady of the Lake.
A heroic tale of good versus evil, the showstopping ballet combines Northern Ballet’s world class narrative storytelling with spectacular sets, special effects and skilled puppetry to create a mesmerising visual treat for all the family. Merlin is both the perfect introduction to narrative dance and a breathtaking experience for ballet-enthusiasts.
The production, which received critical-acclaim following its world premiere in 2021 and connected powerfully with audiences of all ages, is the first full-length ballet choreographed by Olivier award-winning Drew McOnie (Broadway’s King Kong and Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom). Its story is a personal one, inspired by McOnie’s own exploration of the notion of a ‘found family’ in his journey to becoming a parent. Most importantly, it’s a story about how one's otherness may in fact, turn out to be their own, personal magic.
This other worldly spectacular is taken to new heights with illusions by Chris Fisher, International Illusions and Magic Associate for Harry Potter & The Cursed Child and part of the award-winning Illusions and Visual Effects design team for Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and Colin Richmond's ingenious set and vivid costume designs.
Following its opening run at Leeds Grand Theatre (13 – 20 September), Merlin will head to Sheffield Lyceum Theatre (4 – 8 November). Both venues will offer an audio-described performance to improve accessibility for those with visual impairments. This production will be performed to recorded music.
Tickets for Merlin are available now at www.northernballet.com/merlin
