The next chapter in our story begins: Hansel & Gretel and the Witch premieres in 2026.
At balletLORENT we have found joy in creating fairytales that can be shared by audiences of all ages. Working with former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, we’ve reimagined and retold stories that are familiar yet surprising, full of wonder and enchantment. Together we have brought to life Rapunzel, Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin and The Lost Happy Endings, and these productions have become some of our most loved and most performed works.
Each of these fairytales has invited families into our world of dance, music, costume and storytelling, where the magical and the everyday come together. They have also allowed us to work closely with extraordinary collaborators who bring their own artistry and imagination to the stage, making each production a rich and unique experience.
Now we are beginning a brand-new chapter. Our next production will be an original fairytale written for us by Carol Ann Duffy: Hansel & Gretel and the Witch. This story will be filled with her wit, warmth and lyricism, and, as always, she is creating something fresh and relevant while holding on to the timeless magic of the fairytale tradition. We are so excited that the premiere will take place in the North East at Northern Stage in October 2026, before sharing it more widely with audiences across the UK in Spring 2027.
The creative process is already underway in our home in West Newcastle, where the seeds of the story are beginning to take shape through movement and design. I am thrilled to once again be collaborating with composer Murray Gold, who always creates music that carries the heart of our stories. Set designer Mayou Trikerioti will be joining balletLORENT for the first time, and we are excited to welcome her vision and creativity into our fairytale world. Costume designer Mazhar Nazir, who worked with us most recently on Snow White, will be returning to bring his bold and beautiful designs to Hansel and Gretel. Together, their artistry will help create striking worlds and unforgettable characters for this new production.
This is the beginning of a new adventure, and I can’t wait to share the journey with our dancers, our creative team, and with you, our audiences, who bring these fairytales to life by experiencing them with us.
Liv Lorent
Artistic Director & CEO
Photo: Early imaginings of the world of Hansel and Gretel — set design ideas by Mayou Trikerioti
