Who’d have thought one of F Scott Fitzgerald’s greatest stories, set to be a movie remake later this year, should work so brilliantly as a ballet?
The sensational Northern Ballet returns to Milton Keynes Theatre tonight with a new full- length production of Gatsby and its portrayal of hedonistic 1920s New York society.
The production promises to be astunning retelling of one of the most compelling stories of the 20th century.
The Great Gatsby, takes place on New York’s Long Island where Nick Caraway comes to know his infamous neighbour Jay Gatsby – a mysterious millionaire with a secret past and a penchant for lavish parties.
As the sparkling façade of Gatsby’s world begins to slip Caraway comes to see the loneliness, obsession and tragedy that lie beneath.
The current Gatsby craze has seen a surge of popularity in the classic American novel with inspired fashion on the catwalks, stage productions in London and the much anticipated new Hollywood movie.
NB director and choreographer David Nixon said: “The Great Gatsby is a real American classic from an iconic era.
“The roaring twenties were a time of exuberance, indulgence, resilience, fashion, dancing and jazz. The story has everything for the makings of a great ballet: a love triangle, decadence, desperation and heartbreak.”
The company’s production is coupled with a real treat for children - a matinee performance on Friday of The Ugly Duckling.
There are two shows - at 11am and 1pm when children can watch how a very ugly little duckling turns into a beautiful swan thanks to the wit and imagination of master storyteller Hans Christian Anderson. A perfect introduction for tiny tots to ballet.
For tickets to either ballet call the box office 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com /miltonkeynes
*Over at its sister venue, The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, dance is also on the programme.
Children aged three and above can get their first taste of classical ballet, from English National Ballet’s My First Cinderella being performed this Saturday and Sunday.
Associate artist, George Williamson will be working with outstanding dancers cast from English National Ballet School (ENB2). Created with youngsters in mind, Cinderella is a simplified version of the family favourite fairy-tale. It is hoped that it will inspire long term relationships with the art form, reaching out to newcomers and developing the audience of tomorrow.
The dancers will wear the sumptuous costumes from the company’s full production, giving audiences the look, feel and quality of a classic ballet. But the story and choreography will be adapted, making it more approachable, fun and suitable for younger audiences.
ENB2 is a new touring company featuring graduating dancers of outstanding potential from English National Ballet School. Williamson is a graduate of English National Ballet School and this is his second commission from English National Ballet following his celebrated Firebird in 2012.
For tickets/ times call the box office 0844 871 7607 or visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury