A group of children from schools in Newcastle’s West End were treated to a special preview of a new show that opens at the end of the month. But for the 200 pupils, aged from 5-15, it was not just a relaxing afternoon out of the classroom.
After watching scenes from balletLORENT’s new dance theatre production Hansel & Gretel and the Witch, the children were asked how they thought the show was shaping up – and what they would do to make it even better.
According to balletLORENT, the students’ feedback, which followed a series of “up close and personal” previews at their John Marley Centre studio in Scotswood, was “all very positive”.
James MacGillivray, education manager, balletLORENT, said: “Four groups of pupils visited our studio over two days and they were very encouraging about how the show is shaping up.
“The main comments we heard were that they wanted to see even more of the witch, along with her unusual pets, a pair of giant chickens.”The older pupils were particularly interested in the costumes and set, especially the witch’s ‘cake dress’ which is embellished with hand-crocheted sweets, eclairs and doughnuts.”
The company’s artistic director, Liv Lorent MBE, is now working out how best to add the children’s suggestions to the show.The pupils visited balletLORENT’s studio from nearby Bridgewater, Broadwood and St Bede’s Catholic Primary Schools and specialist school Thomas Bewick.
A series of creative workshops relating to the show were funded by Newcastle Culture Investment Fund.MacGillivray said: “It’s been a fantastic experience to welcome more than 200 children from across West Newcastle to see a rehearsal of Hansel & Gretel and the Witch at the John Marley Centre.
“It’s important that young people see that ambitious, creative work is being made right here in their community and across the North East, close to where they live. We want them to recognise the range of people and skills involved in bringing a production to life, and to see that careers in the arts and theatre are real possibilities for their own futures.”
Aimed at audiences from age 5+, balletLORENT’s Hansel & Gretel and the Witch premieres at Newcastle’s Northern Stage on 29 October and runs until 1 November 2026.
In keeping with the dance theatre company’s accessible style – and making the show the perfect first theatre experience – Hansel & Gretel and the Witch is narrated throughout by north east-born actor Gina McKee. It combines imaginative visual storytelling – from an alluring sugar glass house in the woods, to an “all you can eat” merry-go-round – with words by former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
Nine professional dancers share the stage with members of balletLORENT’s 7-12 Youth Academy.
balletLORENT’s Hansel & Gretel and the Witch
29 October–1 November 2026
Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RH T: 0191 230 5151
Tickets from £12 https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/hansel-gretel-and-the-witch/
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