Latest news with #balletLORENT
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Film shot in Durham theatre nominated for national award
A film shot in a Durham theatre and directed by a Game of Thrones star has been nominated for a national award. Rapunzel Red, directed by Ben Crompton and Alex Ayre, is in the running for the best dance film award at the 25th National Dance Awards. The film, based on balletLORENT's production of Rapunzel After Dark, was shot at Gala Durham in 2024. It stars actor Lesley Sharp, Doctor Who composer Murray Gold and eight dancers. Liv Lorent, balletLORENT's artistic director, who also did the choreography for the film, said: "We're truly honoured to be shortlisted for this award alongside such exceptional work. "Rapunzel Red was a deeply collaborative project, and it means a great deal to see it recognised in this way." It is the only contender from the region and is up against pieces from the Royal Ballet and English National Ballet, as well as a film by Venezuelan director Javier de Frutos. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at The Barbican Centre in London on June 9. A 77-minute film, it is based on the fairy tale Rapunzel, but with a twist. It was created with adult audiences in mind and explores themes of desire, love, and loss. The film was shot over four days and captures intimate struggles that are missed on stage. The film was selected by a panel of experts from the Critics' Circle, including dance reviewers from the major national newspapers. It was chosen as one of five shortlisted entries from more than 30 nominations. Pizza Express, BA and Lidl named for failing to pay minimum wage to some staff Fight to save County Durham village pub sees £70k pledged in 'astounding' first week Plans approved for new 'blue light hub' fire service headquarters in Durham Last year, Rapunzel Red was named the best dance film at the Beyond the Curve International Film Festival in Paris. Kylie Lloyd, balletLORENT's executive director, said: "This nomination is a proud moment for the whole team. "It reflects the creativity, commitment, and talent that went into making Rapunzel Red, and we're thrilled to see it acknowledged by the National Dance Awards."
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Darlington dancer returns to stage 40 years on
A former professional dancer has come out of retirement to return to the stage that inspired him to take up his career almost 40 years ago. Geoff Hopson, 53, from Stockton, returns to Darlington's Hippodrome on 16 May to play the King in a ballet production of Snow venue, formerly known as Darlington Civic Theatre, is where Mr Hopson first discovered his passion for dance at the age of an international career, Mr Hopson said he was "excited" to return to the stage where it all began. He said he was inspired to become a dancer after seeing an all-male cast in a Gang of Five production at the Hopson, who retired after an injury when he was 34, said: "When I saw the five male dancers perform in Darlington all those years ago, they were everything I wanted to be."They were athletic, powerful, graceful – I saw what they were capable of and knew it was what I wanted to do."I didn't even tell my mother I was studying to be a dancer until I was in my second year of training, so I definitely didn't come from that sort of theatrical, performing background." He said his return to Darlington was made even more special by the fact that the role was choreographed especially for him by balletLORENT's artistic director, Liv retiring, Mr Hopson went into teaching, lecturing at Teesside, Northumbria and Sunderland universities and delivering workshops in primary said: "I came out of retirement because I love everything about this show – it's clever and funny and smart and sad."I was incredibly lucky to find my passion in life and I don't know what I'd have done without it." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Darlington primary school students to star in professional ballet production
Ten children from a Darlington primary school will join the professional cast of an enchanting production of classic fairy tale Snow White. The Heathfield Primary School youngsters will join the professional cast of Ballet Lorent's upcoming production of Snow White at Darlington Hippodrome on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. The Year 2 and 3 pupils, aged between six and eight, were selected from a group of 109 during a workshop held at the school by Ballet Lorent dancers Gavin Coward and John Kendall. Some of the pupils from years 2 and 3 at Heathfield Primary who will perform in balletLORENT's Snow White at Darlington Hippodrome (Image: PROVIDED) Chosen for their enthusiasm and spirit, the children will perform in two scenes alongside the company's professional dancers. Mrs Craggill, class teacher at Heathfield Primary, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for children from our school to be involved in a new skill and perform in a live theatre to an audience. "They are all really excited to be chosen and looking forward to starting rehearsals." balletLORENT's Snow White with community cast (Image: THE TWINS) Eight-year-old Divine, one of the pupils taking part, said: "I really enjoyed the workshop because it inspired me to join a company and take part in a production. "Outside of school I play football and sometimes volleyball. I'm a little bit nervous because I have performed in front of people I know but to perform in front of strangers makes me super nervous." balletLORENT's Snow White red scarf (Image: THE TWINS) James MacGillivray, education and projects manager at Ballet Lorent said: "For many children, taking part in a professional stage production is a unique and transformative experience. "It not only builds their confidence and creativity but also enhances their ability to collaborate, communicate, and express themselves in new ways. "Schools benefit immensely too from our young cast initiative, as these workshops enrich their arts provision and inspire both students and teachers alike." balletLORENT's Snow White (Image: THE TWINS) The pupils will appear in both versions of the show. The family-friendly Snow White, suitable for ages five plus, is a reworking of Ballet Lorent's acclaimed 2015/16 production. Snow White: The Sacrifice, aimed at audiences aged 16 plus, explores the Wicked Queen's fear of aging and premiered in Newcastle in 2024. READ MORE: Darlington MP Lola McEvoy on 'frightening' child safety stats Darlington council approves plan for children's home Darlington students come up with ideas to improve town centre Narration is by award-winning actor Lindsay Duncan, with music composed by Dr Who's Murray Gold. The cast includes Caroline Reece, 61, as the Queen and Geoff Hopson, 54, from Stockton, who returned from retirement to perform in the production. Tickets start from £14 and are available from Darlington Hippodrome at
