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| Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit* |
Chelmsford Ballet Company Beatrix Potter™ Tales in association with Frederick Warne & Co. Chelmsford Civic Theatre, 16 March 2022, 19:30
I have watched every annual show by the Chelmsford Ballet Company since 2013. I have enjoyed them all but none has delighted me more than Beatrix Potter™ Tales in association with Frederick Warne & Co. It was a show in which everyone shone from the tiniest hedgehog to guest artist Xholindi Muçi. It was not just the cast that excelled. I don't think I have seen so many scene changes. There was a different backcloth for each scene. Those backcloths seemed to depict not the Cumbrian lakes and fells but the rolling hills, brooks and woods of rural Essex. Never have I seen more lavish costumes. Each animal head painstakingly created. There was entertainment even in the interval as the artists dashed through the bar and foyer in full costume.
The ballet opened with Olivia Riley as Beatrix Potter at her desk. She rose to her feet. Gentle soutenus and développés represented her musings. Characters from her Tales came to life one by one. They included:
The ballet opened with Olivia Riley as Beatrix Potter at her desk. She rose to her feet. Gentle soutenus and développés represented her musings. Characters from her Tales came to life one by one. They included:
- Mrs Tittlemouse (Sophie Odell)
- Johnny Town Mouse (Orla Swann)
- Mice led by Anastasia Marks and Tessa Raita,
- Peter Rabbit (Alycia Potter)
- Mrs Tiggy-Winkle (Anna Gellett)
- Hedgehogs led by Isabella Stagg
- Alexander Pig (Grace Emerson)
- Pigling Bland (Xholindi Muçi)
- Pig Wig (Darci Willsher)
- Jemima Puddle-Duck (Samantha Ellis)
- Mr Tod (Anna Gellett)
- Jeremy Fisher (Kiera Cook)
- Hunca Munca (Isabelle Fellows)
- Tom Thumb (Abigail Wiltshire)
- Squirrel Nutkin (Rachel Young)
- Tabitha Twitchit (Echo Murrill)
- Mrs Tiggy-Winkle in Act 2 (Grace Emerson) and
- Squirrel (Karisma Patel).
There were many artists - some very young - who danced in the ensemble. Each and every one of them performed well. The only reason I have not listed them above or singled them out for special praise below is that this review would resemble a telephone directory had I mentioned everyone who impressed me.
Each of the scenes represented a different Tale. Some were solos and others were duets. I particularly admired Muçi's dance with Willsher. There was some difficult choreography in their duet including a fish dive. I enjoyed all the solos especially Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck who flew across the stage and Jeremy Fisher who read "Pond Life" while waiting for his catch.
This was the first time I had seen this ballet but I was told by Elizabeth Baker (the company's President) that it had been in the repertoire for some time. She had danced in an earlier production. She said that the ballet had been inspired by the film. Frederick Warne & Co. had licensed Chelmsford's version. The score had been composed by John Lanchberry and Nigel Westlake. The magnificent costumes were designed by Ann Starling. The sets were created by Annette Potter who also choreographed and produced the show.
The Tales of Beatrix Potter shows what can be achieved by non-professional dancers. Chelmsford Ballet was formed 73 years ago and has survived lockdown, austerity, inflation and umpteen recessions. It inspired us at Powerhouse Ballet to set up a similar company in the North of England. lt would be wonderful if we could stage something like the Tales of Beatrix Potter one day.
There will be performances tonight and tomorrow. If you can reach the Chelmsford Civic Theatre you can expect a treat.
Each of the scenes represented a different Tale. Some were solos and others were duets. I particularly admired Muçi's dance with Willsher. There was some difficult choreography in their duet including a fish dive. I enjoyed all the solos especially Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck who flew across the stage and Jeremy Fisher who read "Pond Life" while waiting for his catch.
This was the first time I had seen this ballet but I was told by Elizabeth Baker (the company's President) that it had been in the repertoire for some time. She had danced in an earlier production. She said that the ballet had been inspired by the film. Frederick Warne & Co. had licensed Chelmsford's version. The score had been composed by John Lanchberry and Nigel Westlake. The magnificent costumes were designed by Ann Starling. The sets were created by Annette Potter who also choreographed and produced the show.
The Tales of Beatrix Potter shows what can be achieved by non-professional dancers. Chelmsford Ballet was formed 73 years ago and has survived lockdown, austerity, inflation and umpteen recessions. It inspired us at Powerhouse Ballet to set up a similar company in the North of England. lt would be wonderful if we could stage something like the Tales of Beatrix Potter one day.
There will be performances tonight and tomorrow. If you can reach the Chelmsford Civic Theatre you can expect a treat.
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