This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, a most remarkable monarch and woman. In celebration of this momentous occasion Northern Ballet is proud to present Victoria, a new creation by Cathy Marston who has also directed and superbly created the choreography for this production.
The story unfolds over two acts and rather than starting from the momentous moment when Victoria is told she is to be Queen is starts with her sad death. As her death approaches, Queen Victoria writes her last diary entry before entrusting Beatrice to prepare its many volumes for publication. Her surviving children arrive to say their last farewells.
Beatrice begins reading the dairies of Victoria, recalling the mother she knew from her childhood: a widow unable to recover from the death of her husband. As Beatrice remembers, the past unfolds. The story then jumps constantly from the past to the present as Beatrice reads through and unfolds the momentous occasions in Victoria’s life. The present moments portray the distress and happiness in the significant events of her mother’s life as she tears pages from the diaries.
As the story begins to unfold it starts with Victoria living in seclusion with her only servant John Brown and her young daughter Beatrice after the tragic death of Albert. The choreography between John Brown and Victoria is noteworthy and wonderfully portrays their deep relationship. But when John Brown also dies Victoria is in mourning again and forbids any suggestion of marriage for Beatrice. Beatrice meets Liko and the pair fall secretly in love but Victoria is furious that Beatrice would entertain her leaving her and refuses permission. Victoria finally permits the couple to be married on the condition that they remain living with her. But Liko then leaves for military service and unfortunately loses his life leaving Beatrice and Victoria united in grief.
The second act then begins with the young Victoria becoming Queen and presented with potential suitors which is when she meets Albert. Again the subsequent movements and portrayal between Albert and Victoria were very moving and a pleasure to watch. Victoria’s coronation and marriage to Albert if then foretold. As Victoria returns to the business of ruling, Albert is unimpressed. Tension erupts as Albert suggest her role should be that of mother to their children and they fight. Eventually Victoria gives in. Albert juggles his growing workload with the creation of a dynasty, dreaming of a new Europe unified through his growing family. The portrayal of Victoria giving birth to her 9 children was again superbly foretold and performed.
As Albert increasingly becomes burned out by the pressures of his responsibilities he dies. In her grief Victoria snatches up her youngest child Beatrice, retreating with her into widowhood. Beatrice makes peace with the memory of her mother. Her task completed, she closes the diary and moves on..
Special mentions go to Abigail Prudames who played Victoria with such grace, power and affection of the character. The young Princess Beatrice played by Miki Akuta was also superbly performed. The two strongest male dancers were John Brown played by Mlindi Kulashe who dashingly supported Victoria. Also Albert played by Joseph Taylor who through his strong and powerful dance movements showed the true love him and Victoria
The set was minimalistic throughout to allow the swift change of scenes and flow of movement. Costumes were fairly basic but fitting for the period and practical. The live orchestra performed superbly throughout and complimented the whole production. Lighting was basic but again appropriate for the whole production.
In conclusion it was a wonderful portrayal of the life of Victoria bought to life through some very good ballet choreography.
Reviewer - Debbie Jennings
on - 9/3/19
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