It was wonderful to be back to The New Vic and this time to watch the opening performance of Giselle which speaks of the love story of a beautiful young girl who falls in love with a deceitful man and this soon ends in tragedy.
The performance was split into two acts with the first part showcasing more of the budding love story between Giselle (played by Beth Meadway) and Hilarion (played by Yasset Roldan) and this is soon not to be when Albrecht (played by Andrea Maria Battaggia) arrives to steal her away. Each dance shows the dynamics of their love and the betrayal of Albrecht and how Giselle is left heartbroken. I loved how her character was so dreamlike and the movement of her body and hands so feathery yet showcasing how fragile her heart is. The solo performance by Yasset Roldan stands out as being bold and strong as his jealousy and anger rages when he sees Giselle get closer to Albrecht.
The second part showcases the ghostly and imaginative performance of each of the spirits who have gone to the afterlife due to the betrayal of their lovers. Albrecht is soon caught up and by the ghosts and his sins but Giselle’s love frees him from their clutches.
This classic ballet performance was originally performed in 1841 and it is no surprise that even after 180 years it is still very captivating and mesmerising. I enjoyed watching each of the dancers’ skilful movements which seemed so graceful and effortless thanks to the choreography by Amy Doughty & Darius James OBE. The music score by Catrin Finch and Lee Child creates the right mood and feel as I watched each of the dance scenes unfold.
I love how much each of the dancers were invested in the show, especially during the second act where they succeeded in creating an eerie feel and the intensity of their performance shone through the silhouetted scenes. They were not only dancers but storytellers and actors in their own right. It shows that Ballet Cymru is inclusive as they had talented dancers from various ethnicity and also showcased an amazing abled dancer. Special mention has to be given to Isobel Holland who plays the Lead Ghost for her stunning performance as she was so light on her feet.
The Costume Design by Deryn Tudorragged was befitting… the ragged torn white wedding dress and almost Haloween-like skeletal looking make-up coupled with the talented dancers’ body movement just made it so believable. It is interesting how Ballet Cymru has managed to make this classic ballet more modern and relatable to the current crowd yet still keep it close to the original storyline. Hope you are able to catch the tour as it is one not to be missed.
Dancers
Giselle Beth Meadway
Albrecht Andrea Maria Battaggia
Hilarion Yasset Roldan
Giselle’s friend Cerys Hanna Lyn Hughes
Albert’s Wife Natasha Chu
Lead Ghost Isobel Holland
Villagers & Ghosts Robbie Moorcroft, Jakob Myers, Joe Powell-Main, Sanea Singh, Maddie Green
Pre Professional Dancers Elizabeth Griffiths
How do I book tickets to watch Giselle?
Giselle is only showing for one night at The New Vic, you can find out more about Ballet Cymru’s tour here.
Credits
Original Score Catrin Finch and Lee Child After Adolphe Adam
Choreography and Interpretation Amy Doughty & Darius James OBE and The Dancers of The Company
Costume Design and Construction Deryn Tudor
Lighting Design Chris Illingworth
Set Design & Video Projection Darius James OBE
Lighting Ceri Benjamin
Technical Stage Manager Helen Pickering
Company Manager Mike Holden
Stage Manager Darren Minto
How to purchase tickets for their other shows?
Ballet Cymru will be touring all over the UK until 30 November 2021 and you can find out more about their next performance here.
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
About Ballet Cymru
Ballet Cymru is an international touring ballet company for Wales, committed to inclusion and innovation in dance and classical ballet, and to the highest standard of collaboration. The company produce original professional dance performances based in the ballet technique which tour nationally and internationally. Its extensive Access and Outreach programme is committed to breaking down barriers to accessing the arts.
You may want to read this:
Review: The Ballad of Maria Marten at The New Vic Theatre
Review: Season’s Greetings at New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Review : Intemperance at The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Photo credit: New Vic Theatre/Sian Trenberth Photography
14 comments
What an interesting story behind the ballet! The pictures show those feathery like movements you spoke of.
They do indeed, those photos are mainly of the second act
It’s been such a long time since I have attended a ballet performance. I used to go often when I was in uni. I know the play Giselle but I have never been to see it. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity.
Yes it surely is, something so magical about it
I’ve never had the chance to go see a ballet. It can be quite an emotional experience. I’d love to go to a Christmassy one.
It surely can, so filled with highs and lows
It sounds like it was a wonderful evening. I have not been to the ballet… or the theatre in quite some time. Now my daughter is older, it is something we could definitely both attend! Sim x
Hope you do get a chance to watch this performance which is touring
It sounds like you had a really lovely time visiting the Classic Ballet Giselle at the Old Vic. It’s been years since I saw Ballet.
We have not seen one for over 2 years as well, so this was very special
I have not been to the ballet in years, I do love the ballet and always have fond memories of going with my Mum when I was younger. I will have to look out for this
Hope you do, it will bring back memories
I’ve seen a ballet performance of Edward Scissorhands before, but nothing more traditional, definitely something on my bucket list x
Hope you do get the chance to watch this in the future