Ballet group set to showcase a new adaptation of Beauty and The Beast

Set to a stunning classical score this production will showcase new choreography by artistic director, Christopher Moore, as well as new sets and costumes created especially for this production.

This adaptation adds to the repertoire of Ballet Theatre UK which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary.

The title roles will be danced by Erin Flaherty and Ben Crossley-Pritchard.

Erin, who plays Beauty, hails from North-West London started ballet early at the age of four.

She has been with the company since 2016, and is delighted that during her stay she has danced one of her favourite roles, the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker.

However, like many, she would love to dance the role of Odette from Swan Lake.

The Beast is portrayed by Ben Crossley-Pritchard from Invercargill, New Zealand, who has been dancing from the age of nine but one of his earliest inspirations that he can recall came from watching old videos of the great Rudolf Nureyev dancing Basilio in the ballet Don Quixote. One of Ben’s favourite parts of ballet is the variety of different characters and learning how to overcome the challenges that come with each particular role.

He also enjoys the development process with each of the characters and getting the chance to adapt a role and make it his own

He said this about the role of the Beast “I think with a role like Beast there is more emphasis on the use of the body and movement quality as a way of expression. “With most roles you can use facial expressions to portray motions and feelings, however when the face is concealed by a mask a dancer can’t use facial expression as much, so you need to show more through the way the body moves and the movement quality.”

Erin, said: “There is a really great story to tell throughout this ballet, so I am really excited about it.

“It was one of my favourite films growing up and I absolutely love that I get to see the story through the eyes of Beauty.

“I also think the costumes are stunning and help to bring the ballet to life.”