Northern Ballet brings history’s greatest lover back to the stage with the return of Casanova

“A whirl of fluent choreography and atmospheric staging” – The Independent

“I have never seen this company looking better.” – Daily Express

“Kenneth Tindall’s ‘Casanova’ is a handsome creation.” – The Guardian

Northern Ballet is bringing history’s most notorious lover back to stages across the country with their sensual ballet Casanova. Returning for the first time since 2017, the production will transport audiences to 18th century Venice, telling the story of the infamous Italian adventurer in a seductive masquerade of passion and politics. Casanova will close Northern Ballet’s spring season at The Lowry, Salford with performances from Wednesday 18 – Saturday 21 May.

In Northern Ballet’s Casanova the fiercely intellectual Giacomo Casanova leads a controversial life consumed by his desires. He dabbles in careers as a scam artist, violinist, alchemist and church cleric but with a penchant for gambling and women, his exploits lead him into a whirlwind of scandal and excess resulting in imprisonment and exile. Complex emotional themes from love and longing to insecurity and depression, as well as the deep connection to the women in his life, are explored in a true story so sensational you won’t believe it’s real – showing Casanova is so much more than the infamous lover we know.

Casanova is choreographed by award-winning Kenneth Tindall, ex-Northern Ballet Premier Dancer and current Artistic Director of Digital and Choreographer in Residence at the Company. Tindall co-created the scenario with actor, dramatist and historical biographer Ian Kelly, author of the 2008 Sunday Times Biography of the Year Casanova. The production is set to an original score by modern classical, film and television composer Kerry Muzzey, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia.

This revival of the production includes new sections of music and choreography which offers a profound insight into the man behind the ‘lothario’ image, a glimpse into the depression that haunted his later years and an all-consuming yearning for connection which motivated him throughout his life.

Sets and costumes have been designed by Tony and Olivier award-winning Christopher Oram (Frozen, Broadway and West End), and wigs and make up are designed by Richard Mawbey, who has worked extensively on the West End and Broadway. Lighting is designed by Alastair West whose Northern Ballet credits include Jane Eyre and Geisha.

Kenneth Tindall said:

“Casanova was my first full-length ballet for Northern Ballet and I’m delighted that it will be touring again in 2022. When we created Casanova myself and the creative team were dedicated to telling the story behind the legend – showing that Casanova was so much more than what his name has come to mean. In this revival we have expanded sections of the ballet with new music by Kerry Muzzey, one of the joys of reviving is the ability to revisit and refresh the work, repainting it for the new generation of dancers that will bring the characters to life on stage.”