Casanova: Triumphant return to Sheffield Lyceum for the torrid Northern Ballet show UK News

The Northern Ballet show is back after five years with Joseph Taylor in the title role and he is fantastic in a role where he is almost never offstage. His Casanova is sexy but also smart and likeable.

Along with his many sexual conquests, Casanova is seen negotiating the world of 18th-century Venice, under threat of torture by the Inquisition, and its ups and downs.

Abigail Prudames shows off her incredible dancing and acting skills as Bellino, a woman who disguises herself as a man to perform as a castrato male singer, as does Saeka Shirai, the great love of Casanova’s life who flees a violent husband.

Their duets with Casanova are a joy to watch.

The entire cast works wonderfully to deliver Kenneth Tindall’s beautiful and intricate choreography.

Lush sets and costumes by Christopher Oram and lighting by Alastair West cleverly help the dancers create the perfect atmosphere. It’s a word where passion is everywhere but danger lurks just around the corner.

The Northern Ballet Sinfonia interprets Kerry Muzzey’s original score wonderfully. Before the show started, they also played the Ukrainian national anthem as the company pledged its solidarity to a country under attack.

It’s great to see this show again – it shows Northern Ballet at its best and most accomplished – not to mention scorching!