An unmissable new production from Chantry Dance Company, created by the choreographers of David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy and Gangsta Granny, and starring Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Shannon Parker, plays at Waterside on Friday 27 September.
ALICE – Wonderland Through the Looking Glass is an inventive and exciting new ballet created by Chantry Dance Company for 2019. It is written as a sequel to the famous Lewis Carroll stories and throws a new light on all his much loved characters. The ballet stars Shannon Parker, who is well known for her appearances with Peter Parker as ‘Shannon and Pete’ on Britain’s Got Talent. Shannon and Pete were finalists and Wild Card Winners on the popular TV show, as well as finalists on Sky’s Got To Dance. Shannon has an incredible dance pedigree having been Principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre and Ballet Du Rhin, and dancing for world-renowned choreographers such as William Forsythe. Now she is playing the role of ‘Alice’ in ALICE – Wonderland Through the Looking Glass for Chantry Dance Company.
Chantry Dance Company’s co-Artistic Director, Paul Chantry, says, “we are all thrilled that Shannon is dancing with CDC again this year. She was exquisite last year playing ‘Lucy’ in DRACULA – Welcome to D’s and we are even more excited to have her playing the title role of Alice this year. Her experience and professionalism add such a great depth to the company and she hugely inspires the other dancers as well as the creative team. As a choreographer, to work with such a brilliant dancer is a gift. Shannon is an exceptional talent, and she brings a unique dimension to the choreography through her interpretation of the work. I have no doubt she will be a great inspiration to anyone watching her performance.”
Paul is the co-Artistic Director of Chantry Dance Company alongside Rae Piper, and they are both also highly experienced theatre industry professionals. As choreographers, they are known for their choreography on Birmingham Stage Company’s Olivier nominated production of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy and on and the Horrible Histories stage shows, as well as choreographing for international Opera and dance houses such as Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Opera House.
Chantry’s innovative new ballet of ALICE – Wonderland Through the Looking Glass takes place after the events of Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass. Alice is now grown-up and an aspiring writer working in a tea-shop. Overworked and underpaid, life seemed much more exciting when she was a child. The Looking Glass has remained in Wonderland as a portal to our
world, which the Red Queen accidentally crosses when chasing a croquet ball. Entering this new reality, she develops a dastardly plan to seize power by opening a casino where she creates an Army of Cards. Hatter and his gang of concerned Wonderland characters pursue the Queen and find Alice. Together, they resolve to stop the Queen, but first they must try to make sense (or non-sense!) of our world. Oh, and we forgot to mention, there’s a Jabberwocky lurking in the casino’s basement…
The ballet features a fabulous new score written by composer Tim Mountain, as well as amazing costumes, lighting and, of course, exceptional dancing. The dancers of Chantry Dance Company are all highly skilled international ballet and contemporary dancers, who have danced all over the world including at top UK theatres including The Royal Opera House, Sadler’s Wells and in London’s West
ALICE – Wonderland Through the Looking Glass will play at Waterside, Sale on Friday 27 September. Tickets can be booked at watersidearts.org or 0161 912 5616
