What Is Northern Ballet’s Cinderella Tour – And Where Can You See It In Yorkshire?

Yorkshire audiences are in for a real treat. Northern Ballet, one of the county’s best-loved cultural institutions and proudly based in Leeds, has announced its big autumn 2026 tour – and at the heart of it is a brand-new Yorkshire debut for Michael Pink’s Cinderella. This sparkling production, first made famous by the Milwaukee Ballet, offers a fresh twist on the classic tale, complete with laugh-out-loud comedy, gorgeous storytelling, and the kind of world-class dancing Yorkshire is known for nurturing.

A Cinderella With A Yorkshire Twist

We all know the traditional fairy tale: glass slippers, midnight magic, and a fairy godmother waving a wand. But this Cinderella does things a little differently. Instead of a fairy godmother, Cinderella is guided by the loving spirit of her mother – a gentle, emotional touch that gives even more heart to the story. It’s still magical, but in a way that feels more personal, more human, and incredibly moving.

Set to Prokofiev’s iconic score and performed with a full live orchestra, the show blends classical technique with warm, character-led storytelling. It’s exactly the kind of innovative, audience-friendly production Northern Ballet is famous for delivering from its home here in Yorkshire.

Proper Laughs, Too

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Northern Ballet Christmas production without some proper fun. And that’s where the stepsisters come in. Played by male dancers in a nod to British panto tradition, these characters bring big comedy moments to the stage. Expect daft antics, over-the-top posing, and scenes designed to have the whole family giggling.

It’s a beautiful balance: romance and tenderness meet Yorkshire-style humour and warmth.

A Choreographer With Deep Yorkshire Roots

Michael Pink may be an international name, but he’s no stranger to Yorkshire. Between 1993 and 1998 he was Associate Artistic Director at Northern Ballet, creating some of the company’s most memorable productions, including a widely acclaimed Dracula.

His return—via this Cinderella—is a homecoming of sorts. Artistic Director Federico Bonelli put it perfectly:

“I was drawn to Michael Pink’s Cinderella for our company and our audiences because of the way it combines classical ballet technique with heartfelt storytelling and a good dose of humour… We will get as much joy out of dancing Cinderella as the audience will out of watching it!”

Designed To Dazzle

Expect a big visual feast. Bruce Brockman’s sets sweep from Cinderella’s kitchen to glittering ballrooms, while Peter Cazalet’s costumes sparkle under David Grill’s atmospheric lighting. And with a live orchestra filling the theatre with Prokofiev’s soaring music, it’s the kind of full-scale festive production Yorkshire audiences adore.

When Is Cinderella Coming To Yorkshire?

The tour travels around the UK in autumn 2026, but its grand festive centrepiece lands right here in Leeds – Northern Ballet’s home city and the heart of Yorkshire’s dance scene.

Yorkshire Dates

Leeds Grand Theatre
15 December 2026 – 2 January 2027

This long Christmas run is expected to be hugely popular, offering the perfect winter night out for families, ballet fans, and anyone looking for some festive magic.
Tickets go on sale 17 December 2025.

Full UK Tour Schedule

Venue	City	Dates
Nottingham Theatre Royal	Nottingham	23–24 October 2026
Newcastle Theatre Royal	Newcastle	28–31 October 2026
Norwich Theatre Royal	Norwich	18–21 November 2026
Leeds Grand Theatre	Leeds, West Yorkshire	15 December 2026 – 2 January 2027

A Yorkshire Company Bringing Ballet To Everyone

Northern Ballet is one of Yorkshire’s cultural powerhouses – based in Leeds, touring nationally, and known for accessible, story-rich productions that welcome first-time ballet-goers as warmly as long-time fans. Supported by Arts Council England and Leeds City Council, the company brings world-class work to communities right across the North.

Cinderella is everything Northern Ballet stands for: joy, imagination, brilliant dancing, and a heartfelt story told with real Northern warmth. And with the big Christmas run right here in Yorkshire, it’s set to be one of the county’s standout festive events for 2026.