Ballet version of Pinocchio pirouetting into South Shields

Ballet Theatre UK bring their version of Pinocchio to life at the Customs House on Sunday.

This is the first time the wooden puppet who comes to life has been performed as a ballet.

Christopher Moore, artistic director of Ballet Theatre UK, said: “A live show with a high visual content and rousing music will always set the heart beating faster. Pinocchio is a perfect introduction as it has the family element of the traditional tale, yet the complex choreography challenges for the seasoned classical ballet fan.”

Featuring the much loved characters of The Blue Fairy, Gepetto and Jiminy Cricket, the story follows Pinocchio the marionette puppet and his ever growing nose as he overcomes obstacles – including ending up in the belly of a whale – to prove that dreams can come true.

Set to a stunning classical score, this original production will delight ballet audiences and families alike and promises to carve a new love for Pinocchio through the magic of classical dance.

Ballet Theatre UK’s Snow Queen sold out at the Mill Dam theatre, in South Shields, in January and further shows have already been programmed for next year.

Customs House executive director, Ray Spencer, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Ballet Theatre UK who sold out earlier this year. We invite them back time and time again because their work is simply stunning and they choose stories which mean they have such a wide appeal.”

Pinocchio is on at The Customs House on Sunday at 4pm. Tickets are £18 and £10 for under 16s and are available from the box office on 0191 454 1234 or the website www.customshouse.co.uk