Beauty and the Beast brought to life at The Brindley by Ballet Cymru

Nov 10 2011 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

A CLASSIC fairy tale will be brought to life by an award-winning ballet company at The Brindley next month.

The Critics Circle Award-winning Ballet Cymru (formerly Independent Ballet Wales) present their production, based on the eternal fairy tale of Beauty And The Beast at the Runcorn venue on Friday, December 2.

The first version of Beauty And The Beast appeared in 1740 and then another version of the tale appeared 16 years later in 1756 by Madame Le Prince De Beaumont.

The latter is the known and most used as the basis for later interpretations of the tale.

After De Villeneuve and De Beaumont published their respective versions, Beauty And The Beast grew in popularity and has appeared in poetry, plays, novellas, short stories, novels, and film.

In 1946 the legendary film maker Jean Cocteau added to the myth by creating the masterpiece that is La Belle Et La Bete, using much of the imagery that was later copied by Disney for its film version in 1991.

A Brindley spokesman said: “Ballet Cymru bring to life this timeless story using the company’s unique blend of classical technique and storytelling using original choreography, expressive costumes and stunning sets.

“This is a brand-new ballet featuring choreography by Creative Wales award-winner Darius James, sets and costumes by some of the most creative artists in Wales and a brand-new score by Welsh composer David Westcott.

“Featuring stunning costumes, breath-taking choreography and heart-breaking passion this production is the most thrilling and entertaining dance event of the year featuring explosive dance, physical theatre and classical ballet.”

Tickets are on sale now priced £14 from The Brindley box office on 0151 907 8360 or online at www.thebrindley.org.uk