Review: NORTHERN BALLET: LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, Royal Ballet And Opera

A delightful 'first ballet' aimed at children, Northern Ballet's Little Red Riding Hood offers a twist on the old tale of the hungry wolf and the sweet little grandmother. The importance of kindness and friendship is more important than the shock value in this version, which displays more sweetness than savagery.

With Mariana Rodrigues as director and choreographer, this version of the story has the wolf (Albert González Orts) as a lonely hoofer with top hat and tails who is just looking for understanding. Red (Julie Nunès) displays a lovely sense of excitement at being out of the house for the first time as a growing girl, while her parents show a relatable sense of worry at their 'little girl' gaining her independence.

At just 40 minutes, this is a speedy version of the story with a moralistic tone, subverting the expectation of both grandmother and Red being consumed by the wolf. Other woodland creatures include a rather brisk bear (Noah Benzie-Drayton) selling honey, a badger, and a fox. The dancing - with the female performers en pointe - is theatrical, clear and cheerful, and the finale is as inclusive as the sight of a wolf picking flowers.

Eloise Gynn's music is beautifully played by a happy, lively ensemble of cello and woodwind, while Marjoke Henrichs's set design suggests both interior and exterior locations. Grandmother (Kaho Masumoto) is a comic creation bustling with a basket, dancing with a handkerchief through a head cold, and scuttling away from the wolf. Dad and Mum (Stefano Varalta and Alessia Petrosino, who double as Badger and Fox) are a loving couple who hold each other tight.

With the message of making friends rather than being fearful or prejudiced against those who are not like us, Little Red Riding Hood returns after being showcased on CBeebies and proves a charming, amusing and sweet treat - rather like the cake Red makes for her poorly grandmother!

Northern Ballet: Little Red Riding Hood continues at the Linbury Theatre, Royal Ballet And Opera until 25 October 2025 with multiple performances on each day.