When does Hansel & Gretel's new ballet tour the UK? Here's everything you need to know

Northern Ballet is bringing something truly special to the stage this year—a brand-new ballet for children, Hansel & Gretel. But this isn’t just any retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm tale. It’s been reimagined with a clever focus on caring for the planet. Think of it as a fairy tale meets eco-adventure! The show will premiere at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre in Leeds from 15–22 February, before setting off on a massive UK-wide tour from 1 March to 7 June.

This production is perfect for families with young children (ages three and up), making it an ideal way to introduce kids to the magic of ballet, live music, and theatre. Oh, and it’s only 40 minutes long—just the right amount of time for little ones to stay captivated without the wiggles setting in.

A journey across the UK

After its Leeds premiere, the ballet will tour to a whopping 17 locations, including Edinburgh, London, Oxford, and Crewe. That means no matter where you live, there’s likely a performance happening near you. Here’s the full list of tour stops:

• Leeds: 15–22 February
• Hull
• Oxford
• Berwick
• Edinburgh
• Middlesbrough
• Goole
• Doncaster
• Harrogate
• Durham
• Mansfield
• Corby
• Bridlington
• Huddersfield
• Buxton
• London
• Crewe

Dates and tickets for each stop are available now at northernballet.com/hansel-and-gretel.

The story: Hansel, Gretel, and the planet

At its heart, this production is a fun and accessible retelling of the Hansel and Gretel story, with a timely environmental twist. The siblings wander into the forest, as you’d expect—but along the way, they unknowingly cause a bit of chaos, leaving litter and damage in their wake. Soon, they meet a colourful cast of friends who teach them about protecting nature. It’s a thoughtful and entertaining way to get kids thinking about how even small actions can have an impact on the world around them.

And don’t worry—it’s not all serious messaging. There’s plenty of fun, dance, and laughter woven into the story to keep everyone entertained, from tiny tots to grown-ups.

Costumes made from recycled magic

Here’s where things get even cooler: Northern Ballet’s wardrobe and technical teams have gone all out to match the show’s eco-theme. Every costume and prop has been made using recycled or repurposed materials. For example, the “Rubbish Monster” costume was crafted from around 400 used bottles and 250 cans—talk about a creative way to turn trash into treasure! They even sourced fabrics from charity shops, giving old curtains and duvet covers a brand-new lease of life on stage.

This focus on sustainability isn’t just a nice touch—it’s a real challenge for the team, but one they’ve embraced with enthusiasm. It’s a brilliant example of how the arts can lead the way in inspiring eco-friendly thinking.

Choreography by rising stars

The choreography for Hansel & Gretel has been created by Harris Beattie and George Liang, both dancers within Northern Ballet. They’re no strangers to creating incredible routines, having previously choreographed pieces for the company’s Sketches programme, which highlights fresh choreographic talent.

Speaking about the ballet, Harris Beattie said:

"I’m really excited to bring this version of Hansel & Gretel to young audiences. I think it’s so important to have themes and topics that relate to today’s world embedded in the stories we share with children. Dance is an ideal medium for this, allowing a sensory experience that can have a long-lasting impact. For many, it will be their first experience of a ballet, but I hope their first of many."

And George Liang added:

"Children’s ballet is a significant part of what we do here at Northern Ballet. Having performed in several children’s ballets myself, I know how our performances can inspire a new generation of audiences. I'm excited to choreograph our version of Hansel & Gretel, especially with its environmental twist, to teach young audiences the importance of caring for our planet."

A truly inclusive experience

Northern Ballet is going the extra mile to make this production welcoming for all. Many performances will include relaxed shows—designed for anyone who might feel anxious about attending the theatre. These are particularly great for those with sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, or learning disabilities.

There will also be audio-described performances at select venues, including Leeds’ Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, London’s Linbury Theatre, and Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre. These ensure visually impaired audience members can follow the story with live, detailed descriptions of the action on stage.

Music, sets, and where to grab your tickets

The music for Hansel & Gretel has been composed by Colin Scott, Northern Ballet’s Company Pianist, promising a beautiful and immersive score to bring the story to life. The set and costumes are designed by Ali Allen, with lighting by Abbi Fearnley.

If you’re ready to treat the family to an unforgettable outing, tickets are available now. Head to northernballet.com/hansel-and-gretel to book your seats. Prices vary by venue, so check your local listing for details.

Why this is a must-see

Northern Ballet has a long history of creating incredible children’s ballets, with past productions like Goldilocks & the Three Bears, The Tortoise & the Hare, and Three Little Pigs even making it to TV screens via CBeebies. Hansel & Gretel promises to continue this tradition of excellence, blending stunning dance with a message that matters.

So, if you’re looking for an enchanting, family-friendly outing that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, this ballet is the perfect pick. Don’t miss your chance to see it live—it’s sure to leave you and your little ones with plenty to talk about on the way home.