After a sell-out world premiere in 2015, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is bringing back its acclaimed ballet A Midsummer Night’s Dream for four Wellington only performances this summer 25 – 27 November.

Created for the RNZB by one of the most sought after choreographers on the international stage, Liam Scarlett, A Midsummer Night’s Dream was an overnight sensation wowing audiences and critics alike.

“The magic and delight never let up. This is an absolutely splendid production of which choreographer, Liam Scarlett and the Royal New Zealand Ballet can be justifiably proud. One can see why he (Scarlett) is the current wunderkind of British ballet.” says dance critic Ann Hunt from the Dominion Post.

Francesco Ventriglia RNZB’s Artistic Director says: “We are very proud of this spectacular production created on us by ballet star Liam Scarlett and we’re very happy to be able to share its magic once more.”

“Liam’s version of Shakespeare beloved tale of lovers, fairies and mischief is stunningly retold.  Set to Mendelssohn’s famous score the witty choreography performed by the talented artists of the RNZB is not to be missed.  Join us in Wellington for this perfect summer treat for the whole family.”

Distinguished Auckland based designer Tracy Grant Lord’s beautiful costumes and set design transports audiences to a magical fairy kingdom and enchanted wood on a balmy summer’s night.

The set is still the RNZB’s biggest and the lighting design by American Kendall Smith features 4000 LED lights and over 2,000 metres of fibre optics cable.

Mendelssohn’s wonderful and highly recognisable music will be performed by Orchestra Wellington conducted by Nigel Gaynor.

Ahead of the Wellington season the RNZB will tour the production to Hong Kong to headline as part of the international Shakespeare Festival at the Sha-Tin Town Hall for three performances 7-9 October.

The Wellington season of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be the RNZB’s last production of 2016.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: St James Theatre, Wellington

Friday 25 November at 7.30pm

Saturday 26 November at 1.30 & 7.30pm

Sunday 27 November at 4pm

For booking info see www.rnzb.org.nz

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Choreographer Liam Scarlett, created this ballet for the RNZB in July/August 2015 spending five weeks with company in Wellington. The production has its world premiere in Wellington on 20 August ahead of touring to Christchurch, Auckland, Rotorua, Palmerston North and Napier.

He has been lauded as the future of UK ballet and called “Dance’s hottest property” by the UK press. At only 29 years of age he regularly choreographs for leading international companies and was awarded a UK Dance Critics Circle National Dance Award for his Asphodel Meadows. He was appointed first Artist in Residence at The Royal Ballet Covent Garden in 2012, a position created especially for him when he retired from dancing with the company.  He continues to attract acclaim from audiences and critics alike with his work. Recent collaborations include New York City Ballet, English National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is his third full length ballet.

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 A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a Co-Production between the Royal New Zealand Ballet and Queensland Ballet. Choreography: Liam Scarlett, Design: Tracy Grant Lord, Lighting: Kendall Smith, Music: Felix Mendelssohn.