The Peacock Theatre – Friday 20th April 2018
Reviewed by Sharon and Georgia Kennedy
5*****
THE CANTERVILLE GHOST- A ballet based on a novella by Oscar Wilde
STARRING: Zack Tidwell as the ghost, Amelia Davison as Virginia, Otto May as Cecil Duke of Cheshire and the Company of the London Children’s Ballet.
This is the first production of the season for the London Children’s Ballet. The quality of the sets & costumes were fantastic in colour & style. The opening scene is set in 1584 when the main protagonist Sir Simon Canterville dies chained to a cellar floor for allegedly murdering his wife. The Grim Reaper tells him he can only be redeemed by the prayers of an innocent girl who will befriend him. Having been haunting successive families who have lived in his former home, we are transported to 1920 and the arrival of the wealthy American Otis family and their 4 children.
One forgets very quickly that these all child performers. It is amazing to realise these are very young dancers, telling a story of some depth & meaning through the medium of dance. The principal dancers, Zack Tidwell & Otto May are both 16 years old. Amelia Davison is only 12 years old. The world of professional ballet should be eagerly awaiting the development of these young people. The whole Company were truly phenomenal. Each one giving an outstanding performance. Well done LCB
My 9 year old daughter came with me to review this production, here is her review in her own words:
“It was a very good ballet I thought it was very well done . One of my favourite parts was when the ghost painted the blood back on the wall after the dad had rubbed it off. And I also liked when the naughty twins trapped the ghost in a net. But I loved the end because it was really happy and sweet. It was one of the best ballets I have seen. It was so good.”
We give this show ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and hope people enjoy it as much as we did.