The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas (by Northern Ballet), Wolverhampton Grand - review

Founded in 1969, Northern Ballet are based in Leeds and have toured the UK extensively with their productions including last year’s Jane Eyre.

Choreographed by Daniel de Andrade, The Boy in Striped Pyjamas tells the emotional tale of an unlikely friendship between two boys divided by a fence against the backdrop of a World War Two Nazi extermination camp. Originally written as a book by Irish writer John Boyne, the story was then turned into a movie by BBC Films back in 2008. Known for its harrowingly emotional tale and strong imagery I was intrigued as to how this would be translated not only as a stage production but more importantly a ballet.

The story was brought to life by Mark Bailey’s fantastic set and costume designs whilst also aided by Tim Mitchell’s thoughtful lighting design. Locations such as Bruno’s father’s desk and the fence within the extermination camp were vividly bought to life.

Through these complex set changes however, pacing was sometimes lost within the performance however this added to the uncertain nature and emotional anxiousness.

Both Kevin Poeung and Luke Francis gave fantastically emotional performances in their roles as Bruno and Shmuel, telling a tale of innocence and acceptance surrounded by the worst horrors imaginable. Giuliano Contadini playing the character of The Fury played a terrifying character donned in a gas mask, taking to the stage to highlight aspects of both death and fear among characters.

A fantastically portrayed and performed emotional performance; the Northern Ballet should be commended for bringing contemporary ballet and interesting stories to local theatre and hopefully introducing a whole new audience to the art of ballet.