Most ballets issued
on DVD are based upon theatre productions;
this however was designed from the beginning
as a film for TV. An introduction by
Albert Finney precedes the film and
is both fascinating and helpful in providing
a summary of the life and character
of L.S. Lowry, the artist who is the
subject of this ballet. The filming
is in a wider setting than the usual
theatre stage. A feature of the film
is that from time to time the action
is frozen and then replaced for a few
seconds by a reproduction of the painting
on which the particular scene is based
– this is most fascinating and illustrates
the extreme care to ensure veracity
in terms of Lowry’s vision.
The ballet consists
of two streams, the relationship of
Lowry and his mother interspersed with
Lowry’s vision of his surroundings as
demonstrated by his paintings. The choreography,
brilliantly devised by Gillian Lynne,
included detailed and meticulous camera
scripts that required extra discipline
on the part of the dancers; especially
noticeable in close-ups or when dissolving
into the image of the painting. One
of the interesting aspects of Lowry’s
pictures is that many of them strongly
suggested a way of walking – often in
an exaggerated fashion; these are mirrored
in the choreography and are counter-intuitive
to the dancers – who usually aim for
fluid movement rather than the often-exaggerated
gait suggested by Lowry’s paintings.
The two principals,
Christopher Gable and Moira Shearer
are experienced dancers neither of whom
had danced for several years prior to
this production. Their performances
are exceptionally good, especially in
portraying two rather difficult characters.
The performances of the members of the
Northern Ballet (including children)
are uniformly excellent as is the scenery
and filming.
Carl Davis is one of
the most seasoned composers working
in the UK and has achieved wide popularity
largely due to his work on TV and film
dramas. This must be amongst his best
scores; it echoes the Northern environment
portrayed and includes hints of brass
bands and the barrel organ. Perhaps
the most memorable movement musically
is the clog-dance where wives waiting
for their husbands to come out of work
dance with an undertone of quiet desperation.
The waltz music to which the tennis
player danced so elegantly is also most
enjoyable. One of the most memorable
scenes is the illustration of Lowry’s
depiction of the sea – calm but bleak
waves depicted by dancers rolling on
the floor; a truly memorable idea, with
Carl Davis at his best.
The DVD is well prepared
and presented with a useful booklet
and interesting extra features. A disk
to be recommended to any of the many
admirers of Lowry’s paintings.
Arthur Baker
Northern Ballet Theatre 
BBC OPUS ARTE DVD OA 0914 D [88:00]
