A ballet to fall in love with comes to Hinckley

A tale of two star-crossed lovers will be brought to life when a ballet company plays in its hometown of Hinckley.

This autumn Hinckley's Ballet Theatre UK will perform their version of Shakespeare’s sad story of the woe of Juliet and her Romeo.

As the nation celebrates 400 years of the bard’s legacy, the dance company is taking Romeo and Juliet to stages across the country.

And they will be transporting the Concordia Theatre to Renaissance Verona using “stunning costumes and innovative stage sets” on Saturday, November 19.

Using Prokofiev’s score, the company hopes to “thrill both existing fans and those new to the company”.

Christopher Moore, artistic director of Ballet Theatre UK and its founder, said using Prokofiev’s score has made “creating the choreography a thrilling and inspiring experience”.

“The Prokofiev score is simply iconic. It gives the whole show a romantic but passionate feel which is so important for the storyline along with setting the perfect atmosphere of ancient Verona.

“The score is adored by the dancers, which is fantastic as it is clear to see that they pour their heart and soul into the music and every performance.”

Romeo and Juliet meet at the opulent Capulet’s ball, sparking a fateful series of events among the civil strife of the Capulet and Montague families.

From the balcony scene’s elated pas de deux to the lovers’ heartbreaking ends, Romeo and Juliet promise to be an audience favourite and the highlight on the calendar.

Christopher hoped that those unfamiliar with ballet should appreciate the art form with a well-known story.

“I had a retired gentleman approach me after one of our shows who said that he had never been to a ballet before and was so pleased he had now done so, having enjoyed it immensely,” he said.

“I think it should be considered as one of life’s experiences; you’ll never know till you try it. A live show with high visual content and rousing music will always set the heart beating faster!

“Romeo and Juliet is a perfect introduction as it is such a well-known story yet the complex choreography challenges for the seasoned classical ballet fan.”