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Highlights of the year

Early 2015 saw Scottish Ballet on tour with Peter Darrell’s The Nutcracker. Catching it towards the end of its run reminded me how joyful it was and such a family treat for Christmas. We look forward to seeing it again, hopefully in the not too distant future.

The highlight of the year of course was the staging by Noriko Ohara, Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Tokyo, of Peter’s Tales of Hoffmann by the National Ballet.

The picture shows a scene from Act 11 and was taken by Takashi Shikamaj.

This new production of Peter's work opened the New National Theatre Tokyo (NNTT) 2015/2016 Season on Friday 30th October 2015 at the Opera Palace, Tokyo. Scenic Design was by Kawaguchi Naoji and Costumes by Maeda Ayako. The Conductor was Paul Murphy with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. The ballet was taught from the original Benesh Notation by Julie Bonnet and produced by Kenn Burke for the Peter Darrell Trust.

“Good Casting, and Gorgeous New Production” - Tokyo Shinbun

“The Best British Ballet with Elegance in total performing arts” - Komei Shinbun

It was great to have so many of Peter’s friends and supporters with us to make it a really special occasion. A big thank you to Noriko for having the vision and perseverance to see this project through.

The picture shows, from left to right, Julie Bonnet, Angela Petrie, Noriko Ohara and Kenn Burke backstage at the New National Theatre Tokyo

You may be interested to see “Talking Heads” which are interviews filmed in 2012 for the award winning documentary ‘Peter Darrell – Scotland’s Dance Pioneer’ made to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Peter’s death.

The documentary was shown on BBC One Scotland, Glasgow Film Festival and BBC Four. Elly Taylor, producer and director of the film felt there was wonderful material not used and she and film editor Phyllis Ironside have edited the compilation now on the website.

You will find interviews with Sir Peter Wright, Western Theatre Dancers - Hazel Merry, Oliver Symons, Brenda Last, Elaine McDonald, Robin Anderson, Paul Tyers, Michael Clark, , David Earl, Jane Pritchard, Matthew Bourne, Alan Crumlish, Christopher Hampson and snippets from the 2012 Reunion party with ex Scottish Ballet dancers from over the years.

It’s great fun and a real trip down memory lane - do take time to have a look.

We will get back to you with more news during the year. So, all that remains is to say have a great 2016 and thank you for supporting the Peter Darrell Trust and our work.