balletLORENT productions have often been about building large families—onstage and off. We want to give a little insight into the people who come together to make our shows with dance, costume, story, spoken word, music, lighting, set design and props. It’s a collaborative process, shaped by many people working together at the same time.
Snow White began in 2015 with a new adaptation written especially for us by Carol Ann Duffy. Ben Crompton developed the performances and staging to carry the story across two acts, while Murray Gold’s music, alongside Lindsey Duncan’s narration, helped set the tone. Jack Sudden supported the technical sound design, making sure the story worked clearly for younger audiences.
Phil Eddols designed a set that moved us between the Queen’s mirror, the forest and the miners’ house, while Libby Everall Alfy created the costumes and Malcolm Rippeth designed the lighting. Debbi Purtill, as rehearsal director, helped bring everything together around Liv’s choreography, working with dancers on details and the overall rehearsal of the work. Simon Henderson was production manager, with Michael Morgan relighting on tour and Tori Cooper leading stage management. Christine Grimwood oversaw the production as Executive Producer to performance.
When we returned to Snow White in 2025, we developed two productions: the family show Snow White and Snow White: The Sacrifice, a new show created for audiences aged 16+. We were also, for the first time, working in our own studio space rather than moving between rehearsal venues.
Our creative family grew, with Nasir Mazhar designing new costumes for the Queen and the Mirror, as well as dream ensemble scene and forest creatures for The Sacrifice. For the new version of the show Carol Ann Duffy and Murray Gold added darker new text and music, and Sarah Parish joined as narrator. Ben Crompton updated the storytelling, including the sledgehammer fight scene, and Malcolm Rippeth developed a darker lighting design for The Sacrifice.
Our in-house knitters added handmade crochet details to costumes and props, while freelance painters and makers refreshed the set with new colours, curtains and pieces like the miners’ cart.
Production manager Callum Graham, stage manager Andrea Scrimshaw and wardrobe/assistant stage manager Lou Duffy managed both The Sacrifice and the updated Snow White, often performing both versions in the same venue—sometimes on the same day. It was ambitious and relied on strong teamwork across the company.
Both versions of Snow White were warmly received by audiences and critics. Under executive director Kylie Lloyd, the tour reached major venues across the country, with Snow White and The Sacrifice sharing a total of almost 50 performances.
Liv Lorent
