Northern Ballet Brings Dickens’ Classic A Christmas Carol to Yorkshire
by Northern Life
A Q&A with Jonathan Hanks, the actor who will play Scrooge.
Northern Ballet will spread Christmas cheer across Yorkshire when the Company brings Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to three Yorkshire theatres as part of a new national tour.
Opening at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre from 7 – 9 November, the tour heads to Hull New Theatre from 12 – 16 November and culminates with a three-week run at Leeds Grand Theatre from 17 December – 4 January. This magical production combines traditional ballet and captivating theatre to tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation from notorious grump to champion of the Christmas spirit.
Choreographed by Massimo Moricone and directed by Christopher Gable CBE, the production premiered in 1992 at the Theatre Royal, Bath, where it broke all previous box office records and became an instant hit with audiences. Following the revival of Romeo & Juliet earlier this year, Director Federico Bonelli has continued the trend of revisiting Northern Ballet’s retired landmark productions to the glee of longtime supporters and new audiences alike.
“Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption with its message of human kindness and compassion is something that resonates with us all especially at this time of year.”
Federico said:
“Alongside exploring new stories that connect, I am passionate about preserving the heritage of Northern Ballet. This signature piece from the era of Christopher Gable, like Romeo & Juliet, was a landmark moment in the Company’s history and continues to be beloved by our audiences which is why I’m so excited to return it to the stage this winter.
“Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption with its message of human kindness and compassion is something that resonates with us all especially at this time of year. Its iconic characters lend themselves so well to ballet and I look forward to seeing audiences of all ages enjoying the show with us over the coming months.”
With colourful sets and costumes by Lez Brotherston OBE and Carl Davis’ festive score, blending classical music with well-known carols sung by the Company, audiences can expect to be transported to a traditional Victorian Christmas.
Northern Ballet will spread Christmas cheer throughout the UK this winter when the Company tours Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to Sheffield, Hull, Norwich, Nottingham and Leeds. This magical production combines traditional ballet and captivating theatre to tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation from notorious grump to champion of Christmas spirit.
Actor Jonathan Hanks discusses bringing Scrooge to life:
How’ve you been preparing for the role of Scrooge?
I’ve been prepared intensively with Jeremy Kerridge who created the role of Scrooge in the original production of Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol and he has given me so many useful insights into how to play the character. But of course I have my own ideas, and how wonderful to play somebody that has two distinct sides to him, romantic and mean.
Jonathan transforming into Scrooge
Why do you think his story has survived the test of time?
Because it’s a story about the regeneration of the human spirit – going from negative to positive. It’s a story of redemption and everybody loves a story about a soul that’s been saved.
How do you get into character before performances?
I get my brain into Scrooge mode on my way to the theatre and as our Wigs and Make-up teams applies my make up the character stares back at me in the mirror. It’s strange changing from a young man into an old man!
What’s your favourite scene to dance in the ballet?
The solo getting dressed to go to the parade of plenty. It’s the only time in the ballet where I can really be happy and express my joy and love for dance and communicating happiness to the audience. And it’s ending everything on an optimistic note.
In rehearsal
How do you ‘de-Scrooge’/relax after a show?
I treat myself to a facial with face masks as I feel my skin needs it after all the old aging make up and making Scrooge faces!
How will you be celebrating Christmas this year?
With my family in Gloucester. We are a very close family and I love Christmas with my loved ones.
Do you have any interesting Christmas traditions?
We always watch the monarch’s speech, we wear party hats, pull crackers and show our love for each other.
Are you a Scrooge or a Cratchit at heart?
I think I’m a very generous person and very loving – so all my friends tell me!
Visit northernballet.com to find out more and book tickets.
