Northern Ballet 1984, Mayflower Theatre

By Hilary Porter

NORTHERN Ballet have returned to the Mayflower Stage with arguably their bravest and boldest ballet yet.

The utterly dark dystopian world of George Orwell's iconic novel 1984 is the very antithesis of what one usually associates with ballet but it has been dramatically brought to life by Jonathan Watkins who has both choreographed and directed the piece, combined with a superbly sinister and eerie music score by Alex Baranowski.

Although I wish I had found the time to re-read the book I last read about 30 years ago it actually didn't matter too much as its concepts remain embedded in our psyche and culture today: Big Brother and Room 101 in particular, and Orwell's disturbing vision of a society where Big Brother is all- seeing and freedom of thought and human emotions are eradicated remains as frightening as ever.

At the centre of 1984 is the human love story between Winston Smith (Tobias Batley) and Julia ( Martha Leebolt) and Winston's revolt against the political party rule.

In this world of The Ministry or Truth - which destroys past history to fit party politics and deals with propaganda, and authorities that check every action, word, thought and gesture, there is no room for emotions such as love. Only hate is encouraged.

All of this is brilliantly represented and conveyed through some of the finest dance I have ever seen.

The corps de ballet with their uniform outfits and movements dance in an almost mechanic staccato fashion, their rigidity reflecting their controlled and emotionless lives.

In contrast to this, when Winston and Julia believe they have found a space outside of the omnipotent presence of Big Brother their duets are fluid, impassioned and filled with sexual energy.

Tobias Batley and Martha Leebolt are truly exceptional dancers. The breath-taking pas de deux where they first make physical contact , stripping off their uniforms and chastity, their limbs and bodies entwining in an impassioned, illegal act of love, appears so smooth, elegant, natural and effortless yet it is most certainly the toughest part of the ballet.

All of this is set against the striking stage and video design of Simon Daw and Andrzej Goulding with the eyes of Big Brother staring down on proceedings unnerving us throughout.

If you thought ballet was all about idyllic settings, fairytales and tutus think again.

1984 runs at Mayflower Theatre until Saturday ( May 7).

Book online: mayflower.org.uk or call the box office: 02380 711811