With just weeks to go until Northern Ballet’s critically acclaimed revival of A Christmas Carol arrives at Leeds Grand Theatre, young ballet dancers from the city are gearing up to share the stage in this enchanting production.
Thirty children, aged 7 to 12, from the Academy of Northern Ballet recently joined a special rehearsal with the professional cast, preparing for their roles as part of the ensemble. These budding performers will take to the stage during the production’s Leeds run, which takes place from 17th December to 4th January and marks the finale of the ballet’s national winter tour.
The rehearsal offered a unique chance for the Academy students to learn directly from Northern Ballet’s principal dancers, including those portraying iconic characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The experience is part of Northern Ballet’s broader initiative to involve local dance schools at each stop of the tour, giving more than 120 children nationwide the opportunity to perform in this beloved adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive tale.
Northern Ballet’s Academy provides students with world-class training in the same facilities as the Company’s professional dancers. As the only Classical Ballet Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) in the UK, it allows talented young dancers from across the north to receive professional-level training while staying close to home.
The production also holds special meaning for Northern Ballet soloist Andrew Tomlinson, who will perform as the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Tomlinson’s journey with A Christmas Carol began in 2009 when, as an 11-year-old, he played the role of Tiny Tim as part of the CAT programme.
“I was eleven years old when I played the part of Tiny Tim, and it was an amazing experience getting to see the cast rehearse and perform,” he said. “Being involved from a young age was really inspiring, and it’s amazing having gone from being in the show as a child to now performing as an adult. It’s such a fantastic production, and I can’t wait for people to see it.”
Inclusivity is also a key part of Northern Ballet’s mission, with two dancers from the Company’s Ability programme joining the Leeds performances. Emily Kent and Louise Palin, who are part of the weekly dance course for adults with additional learning support needs, will perform as part of the Company’s commitment to making classical ballet accessible to all.
First choreographed by Massimo Moricone and directed by Christopher Gable CBE, A Christmas Carol debuted in 1992 at the Theatre Royal in Bath, where it became an instant hit. With stunning sets and costumes by Lez Brotherston OBE and a festive score by Carl Davis that blends classical music with traditional carols sung by the Company, the production promises to transport audiences to a Victorian Christmas wonderland.
Tickets for A Christmas Carol are available at northernballet.com. To learn more about Northern Ballet’s CAT programme and open classes for children and adults, visit their website.
