Southern Ballet

Press, 14 May 1984, Page 8

Southern Ballet

Southern Ballet at the Southern Ballet Theatre presenting a May holiday programme of three ballets. May 12 to May 20, 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. Running time 2 hours. Reviewed by Heather Campbell.

The present season presented by Russell Kerr and his company of versatile dancers is full of colour, sparkle and hilarity. “Comedy of Clowns,” a divine send-up of classical dance, is enormous fun and bubbles with high spirits. In this ballet Liza Brereton captivates with her wit and guile — giving a performance that complements that of David Peake, who is undoubtedly an exponent of satirical humour, via the art of dance. In “Peter and the Wolf’ narrated by David Bowie,

Janeve Rohrs brings an elegance with her defined and bird-like movements. This is a ballet to enchant both children and adults and with clever costuming by Peter Lees-Jeffries, some very strong images are created. Enhancing these images, is the performance of Brigitte Brocherie with her talent to convince you she is indeed a creature of feline habits.

With cat-like grace and much fun she entices you to enter into the foray with the big bad duck-devouring wolf. Of course good overcomes evil, leaving the audience rejoicing.

The final ballet is “The Fantastic Toyshop.” Dancing dolls and the notion that toys may have a secret life of their own have long fascinated choreographers and

audiences. “La Boutique Fantasque,” first produced in London in 1919, has lost none of its appeal. The story opens with Russell Kerr, a master in mime and comedy as the shopkeeper trying to sell his wares. Kerr’s portrayal of a character both devious and obsequious has his audience

laughing uproariously. Balancing this high camp comedy, is a pas de deux by principal dancers, David Peake and Liza Brereton, which is both dramatic and joyful. Liza Brereton extends herself with a new poise, showing a sense of technique and lignment. Carolyn Cairns and David Burgess both show potential and give a most pleasing performance.