Opening Night at Northern Ballet’s Cinderella

Tuesday night saw me being invited to attend the opening night of the Northern Ballet‘s Cinderella at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

A real honour to attend, my two guests were my Mum and Auntie Loulla, who lives in the city, making it a glamorous girly night out.

For the night, I was gifted this gorgeous Devore Spot Prom Dress by Jacques Vert, so stunning, it’s actually now sold out.

My pretty Maria Lace Panel Cardigan is by Fever London and I also wore a faux fur gilet to keep off the November cold.

I really felt a million dollars in this full but tapered at the waist, prom dress. Thank you Jacques Vert!

After walking the red carpet (so much fun), we collected our press tickets and I had my picture taken with some of the company’s ballet dancers before heading to Stage Door, the Press Area for a few glasses of red vino!

There were lots of Manchester based stars congregated at the bar so I’ve shared some shots below from Northern Ballet’s site as I didn’t want to feel like paparazzi on the night!

Sue Johnston attended, seen recently in Downtown Abbey and how incredibly glamorous does she look too?! One of my favourite British actresses!

Tina O’Brien due to rejoin Coronation Street in the New Year also made the performance and with her adorable daughter Scarlett too. Cute!

…Chelsee Healey brought a bit of Strictly glamour to proceedings! I need that jacket in my life!

Presenter Jenny Powell and Most Haunted’s Yvette Fielding also made the evening, Jenny was actually sat behind us and brought her Mum, like I did!

Oh, and the lovely Liz McClarnon was there too with her friends too!

Finishing our drinks, the bell starting ringing and it was time to take our seats in the stalls at the spectacular Palace Theatre.

Set in Imperial Russia, where the belief in magic was common, Northern Ballet’s adaptation of Cinderella takes on new meaning in this sometimes abstract but truly enchanting story of love overcoming adversity!

A whirlwind of colour, the production design is utterly mesmerising (I felt like we were in a snow globe at points in the production as wintery snow-effects danced across the stage)… my former fashion designer Aunt Loulla loved the costume design, and we were both coveting the huge faux fur coats, pretty tulle dresses and sparkling ballet slippers. Oh to be a ballerina!

It was such a wonderful few hours.

I always find the ballet so incredibly relaxing, it really feeds and touches the soul, transporting you through time and place, allowing you to lose yourself in the spectacle.

But back to the story…The first half eases you in gently, the most dynamic part being the second half as the story picks up a gear and Cinderella pirouettes to the ball.