MERLIN, the mythical old wizard, is the inspiration for Northern Ballet’s fantastical new piece of dance-theatre. It is set in a mysterious other-world of gods, dragons and mortals.

Drew McOnie has choreographed the two-hour-long ballet from his own original story of the young Merlin who masters his awesome powers of sorcery to unite warring kingdoms. Grant Olding’s vivid story-telling music is lifted from the pages of the score by the forty musicians of Northern Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Jonathan Lo, the company’s music director.

The Leeds based company’s narrative-based style of classical ballet infuses every movement of these wonderfully expressive dancers. The first night performance included Kevin Poueng as an eighteen- year-old Merlin; Antoinette Brooks-Daw as Morgan, a General in the Solar Kingdom’s Army; and Minju Kang as the Blacksmith who brings up the baby Merlin as her own. The Lady of the Lake, danced by Abigail Prudames, and Helios the Sun God, danced by Joseph Taylor are Merlin’s birth parents.

There is an abundance of magic as we might expect. Magic in theatre is all about aiding the visual story-telling, as well as creating moments of wonderment and surprise. Anna Watson’s mystical stage lighting, Colin Richmond’s opulent golden scenery and costumes, and Rachel Canning’s puppetry assist the breathtaking special effects masterminded by illusionist Chris Fisher.Some of the most touching moments come in Merlin’s scenes with the Fiery Dragon, a loveable young creature that becomes our hero’s trusty sidekick.The dragon puppet was skilfully brought to life by dancer Ashley Dixon.

Northern Ballet’s Merlin offers pure enchantment for the whole family and deserves to run and run. This spectacular show continues at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday 20th November. Catch it if you can.

Geoffrey Mogridge