SCOTTISH BALLET presents Matthew Bourne’s HIGHLAND FLING

Sponsored by Adam & Company

Directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne

Music La Sylphide by Herman Severin Løvenskjold, performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra

Designs: Lez Brotherston

Lighting: Paule Constable

Theatre Royal GLASGOW 27 April – 4 May 2013

Eden Court Theatre INVERNESS 9 – 11 May 2013

His Majesty’s Theatre ABERDEEN 16 – 18 May 2013

Festival Theatre EDINBURGH 22 – 25 May 2013

This spring, and for the first time, Scottish Ballet will present the work of five-time Olivier Award-winning choreographer Matthew Bourne OBE – a coup that grants the company an exclusive license to Matthew’s Highland Fling in an unprecedented move by the choreographer.

Inspired by the classic romantic ballet La Sylphide, Bourne’s Highland Fling, sponsored by Adam & Company, is a wonderfully imaginative reworking with a wickedly wry contemporary Scotch twist.

Meet James – a young Scot with sex and love and rock and roll on his mind. Recently married to his beloved Effie, his addiction to excess finds him in the fateful company of a beguiling gothic fairy. As his love for the strange and beautiful sylph becomes an obsession, he embarks on a fateful journey that takes him from the mean streets and nightclubs of Glasgow into a magical world beyond reality and reason.

First premiered in 1994, and re-choreographed and designed in 2005, Bourne’s Highland Fling was quickly nicknamed La Sylphide for the Trainspotting generation, featuring James, an unemployed welder who finds solace in chemical enhancement and gothic charms in this tartan fuelled, inspired take on the romantic classic.

“Like Scottish Ballet Matthew Bourne is renowned for presenting work with a unique twist and Highland Fling, based on La Sylphide, is a production that we’re confident that our audiences will fall in love with,” said Scottish Ballet Artistic Director Christopher Hampson.

“We are excited to be the first ever company that Matthew has given exclusive license to present his work.” he continues. “This will be the first time our dancers will have worked with Matthew and we look forward to seeing what this collaboration brings to our dancers in terms of approach and technique.”

“This is the first time I’ve given a full length piece to any other company than my own, so it’s quite a big step for me,” comments choreographer Matthew Bourne.

“I’ve known and worked with Christopher for some time – it’s a really exciting time for Scottish Ballet and this collaboration seemed just right.

“I originally made the piece after being inspired by touring to Scotland, so it seems perfect that it comes home once more. I listened to the La Sylphide score and imagined a piece that would have a contemporary theme, but also a romantic, gothic second half which could be timeless.

“I’m looking forward to working with Scottish Ballet – the company is versatile and passionate. I think they will bring something very special and new to the piece and I’m sure I will learn from them as well. It’s very exciting.”

For the first time audiences will have the opportunity to see Highland Fling with a live musical accompaniment as the Scottish Ballet Orchestra perform the

Herman Severin Løvenskjold’s score for La Slyphide.

“We’re performing the extended version,” explains Scottish Ballet’s Head of Music and Resident Conductor Richard Honner. “Most audiences will not have heard this version, even if they’re familiar with La Sylphide. The best-known number is the Reel at the end of Act One – it’s a very good pseudo-Scottish number, written by a 19th century Scandinavian.

“At the time it was written, all things Scottish were in vogue,” he says, “and here we are once again, nearly 200 years later pairing it with Matthew Bourne’s vibrant, modern choreography performed by Scotland’s national dance company, demonstrating the myriad after-lives of ballets and ballet scores.”

Highland Fling is sponsored by Adam & Company – a commended relationship between the two Scottish Companies now in its 4th year.

“We are delighted to continue our support of Scottish Ballet and delighted to sponsor this production of Matthew Bourne’s Highland Fling. Matthew is a celebrated choreographer and in the spirit of our own collaboration with Scottish Ballet we are excited to help bring this imaginative and witty ballet to Scotland,” said Graham Storrie, Managing Director of Adam & Company.

“The arts enrich our lives in many different ways,” he continues, “and we recognise the importance in supporting this in order to ensure their preservation for future generations, particularly in such challenging economic times.”

Cindy Sughrue, Scottish Ballet’s Chief Executive / Executive Producer added “Investment in the arts is crucial to the underpinning of a healthy cultural sector in Scotland and Adam & Company’s continued support of Scottish Ballet is a compelling recognition of the opportunities that brand relationships offer. We look forward to building on this meaningful relationship and to developing further opportunities for businesses and cultural entrepreneurs alike.”

Tickets are on sale now, for full dates, times and prices – including details on Scottish Ballet’s special £10 standby ticket and information on events for audiences to Get Closer to the company – please see LISTINGS below.

SCOTTISH BALLET: THE CLOSE PROJECT – SPRING 2013

The Close is an exciting new project in association with Highland Fling. Over 200 young adults aged 12 – 25 from challenging backgrounds will be given the opportunity to attend a performance of this modern, accessible and edgy production.

Participants will then have the opportunity to explore key themes, building confidence, communication, self expression and creative skills. A number of these participants will be invited to participate in the development of Scottish Ballet’s forthcoming brand new production of Hansel & Gretel (winter 2013/14).

LISTINGS

Scottish Ballet presents Matthew Bourne’s Highland Fling

Theatre Royal, GLASGOW

27 April – 4 May 2013

Evenings Sat 27 & Tue 30 April – Sat 4 May at 7.30pm / Matinees Thu 2 & Sat 4 May at 2pm

Tickets from £10, concessions and group discounts available

£10 Standby ticket (Under 26, full-time student or unwaged) available from 1 hour prior to the start of the performance, or from 12 noon at the King’s Theatre Glasgow box office on the day of performance.

Box Office 0844 871 7647

Get Closer in Glasgow (see below for location details)

Ballet Cafe Late

Scottish Ballet Headquarters, Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, GLASGOW

Mon 29 Apr at 7pm. Tickets £10.

Join us for a sociable evening for adults where you will take part in an enjoyable beginners’ ballet class before relaxing with refreshments and listen to behind-the-scenes tales.

To book contact Lorna Murray on education@scottishballet.co.uk or 0141 331 6285.

Free Pre-show Talks

Fyfe Lecture Theatre, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 100 Renfrew Street, GLASGOW

Thu 2 May at 6.30pm (focus on dance) / Fri 3 May at 6.30pm (focus on music)

Hear about the making of Highland Fling direct from members of Scottish Ballet’s Artistic and Music staff. These fascinating free half-hour talks are the perfect way to learn more about the show before you take your seat. Call Box Office on 0844 871 7647 to book.

Free Post-show Discussion

Fri 3 May

After the performance, come to the front of the Stalls for your chance to put your questions to one of our dancers. No booking required, event free with your performance ticket.

Insight (age 12+)

Theatre Royal Glasgow Hemmings Foyer

Sat 4 May at 11am. Tickets £5.50/£3.50 conc.

Discover the inspiration behind the choreography, music and designs of Highland Fling and watch the Company taking class on stage. Call Box Office on 0844 871 7647 to book.

Scottish Ballet presents Matthew Bourne’s Highland Fling

Eden Court , INVERNESS

9 – 11 May 2013

Evenings Thu 9 – Sat 11 May at 7.30pm / Matinee Sat 11 May at 2pm

Tickets from £18, concessions, group discounts available

£10 concession (Under 26, full-time student or unwaged)

Box Office 01463 234 234

Get Closer in Inverness (all events at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness)

Ballet Cafe Late

Wed 8 May at 7pm. Tickets £10.

Join us for a sociable evening for adults where you will take part in an enjoyable beginners’ ballet class before relaxing with refreshments and listen to behind-the-scenes tales.

Call Box Office on 01463 234 234 to book.

Free Pre-show Talks

Thu 9 May at 6.30pm (focus on dance) / Fri 10 May at 6.30pm (focus on music)

Hear about the making of Highland Fling direct from members of Scottish Ballet’s Artistic and Music staff. These fascinating free half-hour talks are the perfect way to learn more about the show before you take your seat. Call Box Office on 01463 234 234 to book.

Free Post-show Discussion

Fri 10 May

After the performance, come to the front of the Stalls for your chance to put your questions to one of our dancers. No booking required, event free with your performance ticket.

Insight (age 12+)

Sat 11 May at 11am. Tickets £5.50/£3.50 conc.

Discover the inspiration behind the choreography, music and designs of Highland Fling and watch the Company taking class on stage. Call Box Office on 01463 234 234 to book.

Scottish Ballet presents Matthew Bourne’s Highland Fling

His Majesty’s Theatre, ABERDEEN

16 – 18 May 2013

Evenings Thu 16 – Sat 18 May at 7.30pm / Matinee Sat 18 May at 2pm

Tickets from £12.50, concessions and group discounts available

£10 Standby ticket (Under 26, full-time student or unwaged) available from the box office in person from 12 noon on the day of performance.

Box Office 01224 641122

Get Closer in Aberdeen (all events at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen)

Ballet Cafe Late

Wed 15 May at 7pm. Tickets £10.

Join us for a sociable evening for adults where you will take part in an enjoyable beginners’ ballet class before relaxing with refreshments and listen to behind-the-scenes tales.

Call Box Office on 01224 641122 to book.

Free Pre-show Talks

Thu 16 May at 6.30pm (focus on dance) / Fri 17 May at 6.30pm (focus on music)

Hear about the making of Highland Fling direct from members of Scottish Ballet’s Artistic and Music staff. These fascinating free half-hour talks are the perfect way to learn more about the show before you take your seat. Call Box Office on 01224 641122 to book.

Free Post-show Discussion

Fri 17 May

After the performance, come to the front of the Stalls for your chance to put your questions to one of our dancers. No booking required, event free with your performance ticket.

Insight (age 12+)

Sat 18 May at 11am. Tickets £5.50/£3.50 conc.

Discover the inspiration behind the choreography, music and designs of Highland Fling and watch the Company taking class on stage. Call Box Office on 01224 641122 to book.

Scottish Ballet presents Matthew Bourne’s Highland Fling

Festival Theatre, EDINBURGH

22 – 25 May 2013

Evenings Wed 22 – Sat 25 May at 7.30pm / Matinee Thu 23 & Sat 25 May at 2pm

Tickets from £12.50, concessions and group discounts available

£10 Standby ticket (Under 26, full-time student or unwaged) available from the box office in person from 12 noon on the day of performance.

Box Office 0131 529 6000

Get Closer in Edinburgh (all events at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh)

Ballet Cafe Late

Tue 21 May at 7pm. Tickets £10.

Join us for a sociable evening for adults where you will take part in an enjoyable beginners’ ballet class before relaxing with refreshments and listen to behind-the-scenes tales.

To book contact Lorna Murray on education@scottishballet.co.uk or 0141 331 6285.

Free Pre-show Talks

Thu 23 May at 6.30pm (focus on dance)

Fri 24 May at 6.30pm (focus on music)

Hear about the making of Highland Fling direct from members of Scottish Ballet’s Artistic and Music staff. These fascinating free half-hour talks are the perfect way to learn more about the show before you take your seat. Call Box Office to book.

Free Post-show Discussion

Fri 24 May

After the performance, come to the front of the Stalls for your chance to put your questions to one of our dancers. No booking required, event free with your performance ticket.

Insight (age 12+)

Sat 25 May at 11am. Tickets £5.50/£3.50 conc.

Discover the inspiration behind the choreography, music and designs of Highland Fling and watch the Company taking class on stage. Call Box Office to book.

Source: Scottish Ballet