Ballet is coming back to Reading thanks to The Hexagon and the Varna International Ballet and Orchestra.
Two favourite shows will be performed over two consecutive days this February: Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
Presented by RG Live, the Varna International Ballet and Orchestra made their debut with a 2023 tour.
Founded in 1947 in Bulgaria, it is known for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet.
Led by artistic director Daniela Dimova, along with music director and chief conductor Peter Tuleshkov, Varna International Ballet is suitable for newcomers to the art as well as those who love it.
Daniela says: “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK.
“We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.”
What happens in Varna International’s The Nutcracker?
The Nutcracker begins as night falls on Christmas Eve.
When midnight strikes, we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems: toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse King and his army battle with the Nutcracker Prince.
It leads to a journey through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic begins.
Often considered the greatest romantic ballet of all time, Swan Lake is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score, with choreography by Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, Sergey Bobrov and Natalia Matus-Marchuk.
From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.
The spellbinding ballet features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, and stunning choreography by Vasily Vainonen, revised by Sergey Bobrov.
When will Varny International’s The Nutcracker be performed at The Hexagon and how much are tickets?
There are two performances, and both take place in the afternoon of Sunday, February 2.
The first is at 2pm, the second starts at 5.30pm.
Tickets cost £37, £42, or £44.50. Concessions and groups can receive a £3 discount per ticket. Those booking for both shows can enjoy a £5 discount per ticket if they are booking for the top two price tiers, excludes concessions.
For more details, or to book Varna International, call the Reading Arts box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/varna-international-ballet-nutcracker-0
What happens in Varna International’s Swan Lake?
The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.
From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.
READ MORE: SOLD OUT! The Maids – Reading Rep’s latest show – is a hot ticket in London ahead of home run
From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.
When will Varna International’s The Nutcracker be performed at The Hexagon and how much are tickets?
There is one performance at 7.30pm on Monday, February 3.
Tickets cost £37, £42, or £44.50. Concessions and groups can receive a £3 discount per ticket. Those booking for both shows can enjoy a £5 discount per ticket if they are booking for the top two price tiers, excludes concessions.
For more details, or to book for Varna International, call the Reading Arts box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/varna-international-ballet-swan-lake-1
And if you want something more operatic … Madama Butterfly is around the corner
A week later, The Hexagon will welcome back Ellen Kent’s opera company for a performance of Madama Butterfly, which will feature the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv.
The performance is from 7.30pm on Sunday, February 9.
Tickets cost £ 36.50, £41.50, £44.50 with £2 discount for concessions and £3 discount per seat for groups of 10 or more.
For more details, or to book, call the Reading Arts box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/ellen-kent-madama-butterfly-0
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