Cinderella
Northern Ballet
- Date night
- Great for groups
- Family-friendly
- Date
- Thu, 5 Nov 2026
- Time
- 19:30 · 2h 40m
- Venue
- Leeds Grand Theatre
- City
- Leeds
- Conductor
- Daryl Griffith
- Tickets
- from £10
You'll be taken to the ensemble's official site.
Summary
Northern Ballet performs Michael Pink’s production of the Prokofiev classic at Leeds Grand Theatre, with Daryl Griffith conducting.
Why it's fantastic
Prokofiev’s score provides a sharp, cinematic edge to this familiar fairytale, trading sugary sweetness for something far more atmospheric and emotionally gripping. It is a substantial evening of storytelling that uses the physical power of the dancers to breathe fresh life into the classic rags-to-riches journey.
Our guide to this performance
What you'll hear
You will encounter a production that shifts away from typical fairytale tropes in favour of a more cinematic and atmospheric approach. Michael Pink’s choreography leans into the physical strength of the company to tell the story of Cinderella’s transformation and her journey from hardship to the ball. The evening is built around the substantial score by Sergei Prokofiev, which provides a sophisticated musical foundation that is far from sugary. Listen for the distinct, rhythmic clock-ticking motifs and the darker, more industrial undertones in the orchestration that suggest a sense of urgency as midnight approaches. The music does not merely accompany the dance but drives the emotional weight of the narrative, offering a textured and modern feel to the familiar rags-to-riches arc. By balancing grand ensemble moments with intimate character studies, the performance aims to create a world that feels grounded yet magical, focusing on the human elements of the story through fluid, expressive movement.
Who's performing
Northern Ballet is based in Leeds and has built a strong reputation for narrative-driven works that prioritise clear storytelling through movement. They are known for touring extensively and bringing high-quality classical and contemporary dance to audiences across the country. For this production, Daryl Griffith takes the podium to lead the live orchestra through the complexities of the Prokofiev score. The company is recognised for its versatile dancers who are as skilled in dramatic acting as they are in technical ballet, making them well-suited to the demands of this specific production.
Planning your evening
The performance takes place at the Leeds Grand Theatre in the heart of the city. With a total running time of 160 minutes, including intervals, this is a full-length evening of dance. The duration and the familiar narrative make it a suitable choice for those visiting the ballet for the first time or for those who enjoy a substantial theatrical experience. There is no specific dress convention for this venue, so you should wear what you find comfortable for a long seated performance. Tickets for this production start from 10 pounds.
Written by the Bravura editorial team from the ensemble's published programme and venue information. We don't reproduce copy from box-office sites. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Programme
- 01Choreographer: Michael Pink
- 02Music: Sergei Prokofiev
