Birmingham Royal Ballet: Beauty and the Beast at The Lowry
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
The spellbinding Birmingham Royal Ballet return to The Lowry with David Bintley’s fairytale fantasy Beauty and the Beast. Witness wild waltzes, captivating transformations and soaring birds in this faithful interpretation of the relationship between Belle and the Beast.
Since its creation in 2003, Bintley’s Beauty and the Beast has become a firm favourite in the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s repertory. The charming story, masterful solos and stunning pas de deux are sure to delight The Lowry’s audience once again. Most poignantly, this gripping production is presented as part of Bintley’s final season with the company.
Beauty and The Beast is certainly ‘a tale as old as time’ – the charm of the magical love story never seems to wane. However, in this stunning production, there are no singing teapots or candelabra. Instead, Bintley delivers a glorious, gothic adaptation which draws on the natural imagery of the original myth.
This bewitching ballet tells the story of Belle, a young woman who becomes trapped in the castle of a cursed beast. When Belle’s father is caught stealing a single rose, he forfeits his youngest daughter’s freedom to avoid the penalty of his own life.
In this fantastical castle the Beast, stripped of his handsome princely features and his humanity, must win Belle’s heart, or spend the rest of his life alone.
Accompanied by a live orchestra with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, Canadian composer Glenn Buhr’s specially commissioned rich musical score offers the perfect backdrop for Bintley’s animated choreography.
Running at around two hours and ten minutes with one interval, Beauty and the Beast is a stunning family favourite. Recommended for ages 8+, this timeless fairytale has got it all – Belle, the Beast, a golden ballroom full of animals, two snooty sisters and a grumpy grandmother dance through the turning pages of Philip Prowse’s brilliant storybook set.
The Birmingham Royal Ballet really are truly magical to watch. Beauty and the Beast will leave both ballet first-timers and seasoned dance enthusiasts feeling as though they have been touched by a little bit of magic.
