Northern Ballet’s Merlin in Nottingham last night was nothing short of a masterpiece. This is a complete artistic experience, the kind of production that reminds you exactly what theatre is meant to be.
Everything about it was flawless. The lighting, the direction, the choreography, the storytelling, every element worked in perfect harmony. The use of shadows to create special effects was inspired, adding layers of depth and mystery that drew you deeper into the story. It was visually breathtaking and technically extraordinary, yet never once did those effects feel like a distraction. They enhanced the emotion, the tension, the magic.
The transitions between scenes were absolutely seamless. You barely noticed them happening, one world simply dissolved into another, like a spell being cast before your eyes. That level of fluidity is rare in live performance and shows the precision and vision behind every moment of this production.
And then there were the dancers. The way they emoted through movement was astonishing. You didn’t need words to understand their struggles, their love, their fear. Every movement told a story; every glance carried meaning. It was so all encompassing and engrossing that you forgot you were watching a ballet at all, you were simply in it.
Northern Ballet promise a world of wonder and inspiration, and they delivered on that promise entirely. This production should be required viewing for everyone who works in theatre, producers, directors, lighting designers, dancers alike. It’s a masterclass in how to bring every creative element together to create something truly transcendent.
Quite simply, Merlin was perfect. A world class example of how art, when done with passion and precision, can transport an audience so completely that reality fades away.
