When Geoff Hopson steps onto the stage at Darlington Hippodrome on Friday 16 May, it marks a full-circle moment in a remarkable career that began nearly 40 years ago.
Now 53, Geoff was just 16 when a performance by the all-male Gang of Five at the then Darlington Civic Theatre ignited his passion for dance. This month, he returns to that very venue to play the King in balletLORENT’s Snow White — a role choreographed especially for him by Artistic Director Liv Lorent.
“That performance changed everything for me,” says Geoff. “Seeing those dancers – powerful, athletic, graceful – made me realise this is what I wanted to do with my life.”
Geoff’s professional journey has taken him across the world as a performer and, later, into an influential teaching career after a long-standing injury led him to retire from the stage at just 34. His prolapsed disc, first suffered at 20, made performing increasingly painful – but teaching opened new doors, allowing him to share his passion with the next generation at universities and schools across the North East.
“I didn’t come from a performing background at all,” he recalls. “But I had a teacher who believed in me, and I wanted to be that person for others.”
Now, thanks to Liv Lorent’s personal invitation, Geoff is returning to performance in Snow White — a rich, imaginative production that features two versions: a bold, adult reimagining (Snow White: The Sacrifice), and a magical, family-friendly tale for audiences aged 5+.
“There’s no one else who could’ve tempted me back,” Geoff says of Liv. “We trained together, she gave me my first job, and she’s built such a special company at balletLORENT – diverse, generous, and welcoming.”
In Snow White, Geoff plays both the noble King and one of the seven miners – physically worn, gritty figures full of warmth and camaraderie. “I love the miners,” he says. “They’re the underbelly of the working class – battered, bent, and bruised, but full of heart.”
The production features a cast of ten, including long-time balletLORENT performer Caroline Reece (61) as the Queen, with support from pupils at Heathfield Primary. Libby El-Alfy and Nasir Mazhar provide stunning costume design, with music by Murray Gold, set by Phil Eddols, and lighting by Malcolm Rippeth. Both versions of Snow White are written by former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, bringing poetry and sharp insight to these timeless characters.
“I came back because I love everything about this show,” says Geoff. “It’s clever, moving, funny, and dark – and Liv’s choreography allows each performer’s individuality to shine. To be dancing again, in Darlington of all places, feels like coming home.
balletLORENT’s Snow White & Snow White: The Sacrifice
📍 Darlington Hippodrome
🗓️ Friday 16 & Saturday 17 May 2025
🎟️ Tickets from £14
📞 01325 405405
🌐 www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Photo above: Duncan Wood
Geoff Hopson and Liv Lorent from Shards (1993) Choreographed by Liv Lorent and Dancers
