AWARD-winning director and choreographer Arthur Pita’s magical dance theatre show The Little Match Girl comes to Dance City this Christmas.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story, this tale of a young street girl's hopes and dreams is beautifully told through dance, song and live music. The performance had a sell-out season at London’s Sadler’s Wells last Christmas, and audiences in the North-East can see it for the first time at Newcastle's Dance City this year from December 1 to 5 December. Tickets are £6 each.
A snowy stage sets the scene for an icy cold Christmas Eve in an imaginary Italian town, where the little match girl paces the emptying streets trying to sell her matches. Cold, hungry and with just one final match flame to keep her warm, she sees a vision of her beloved grandmother. Leaving her troubled life behind, the little match girl is guided up into the night sky by her grandmother who takes her to the moon. Now, on a clear night, if you look closely, you might see the light of a shooting star, or is it a match burning brightly?
Anthony Baker, artistic director of Dance City says: “We’re really excited to be bringing this performance to Newcastle. It’s not just a show for children and families – with a great set and costumes, live music and amazing dancing – people of all ages will have a great experience. It will be like reading a glorious pop-up book.”
There are still performances available for school parties, with complimentary places for teachers.
The Little Match Girl is choreographed and directed by Arthur Pita, with music composed by Frank Moon, who performs his original score live on stage, designs by Yann Seabra and lighting by Ed Yetton. Corey Annand reprises her role as the little match girl. She is joined by fellow original cast members Valentina Golfieri, Frank Moon and Angelo Smimmo, with Faith Prendergast, Karl Fagerlund Brekke and Nuno Queimado playing alternating roles. The production is co-produced by DanceEast with funding by Arts Council England.
* Runs Tuesday, December 1 to Saturday, December 5. Newcastle Dance City. Tue 7pm, Wed/Thu/Fri 1pm, Sat 1.30pm and 6pm. Box Office: 0191-261-0505 or dancecity.co.uk
Viv Hardwick
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