PARTS of the best-loved ballets of all time will take centre stage at a North-East theatre next week (May 15-17).

The Birmingham Royal Ballet will present a show at the Gala Theatre, Durham, featuring ‘Bite-sized Ballet’ – excerpts from some of the world’s most popular ballets.

There will be highlights from Beauty and the Beast, Hobson’s Choice and more.

The show will also feature a new work by dancer and choreographer Kit Holder.

Entitled Quatrain, it is inspired by tango rhythms.

Finally, Sir Frederick Ashton’s 1931 work Facade will showcase tangos, foxtrots and waltzes, all with a light-hearted approach inspired by Edith Sitwell’s nonsensical poetry.

Music will be provided by members of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.

The show will be at the Gala from Thursday, May 15, to Saturday, May 17. There will be performances each evening at 7.30pm, plus a 2.30pm Saturday matinee.

Tickets are £20 for adults, £18 for concessions and £16 for Gala Friends. To book, visit the Gala box office, call 03000-266-600 or visit galadurham.co.uk