“A
glorious extravaganza featuring
delightful characters and fabulous
routines by the dancers of The Royal
Ballet, Tales Of Beatrix Potter is a
magnificent journey into the world of the
artist and her marvellous creations...”
CELEBRATING THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY of the original release of Tales
Of Beatrix Potter, Optimum Releasing has digitally restored the classic
ballet film that was written and choreographed by the legendary founding choreographer
of The Royal Ballet, Sir Frederick Ashton.
Ashton's film interpretation of the much-loved children's stories became so
popular that he adapted it for the stage. It was, unusually, written initially
especially for the big screen but The Royal Ballet now performs the adaptation
every year as a special Christmas tradition.
Wonderful animals inhabit Beatrix Potter's fantasy land, dancing together merrily
and frolicking playfully. And thereby hangs a tail! Five of the famed author's
most well-known stories with guest appearances of characters from other themes
are linked to present a magical storyline that will enchant adults and children
alike.
Beloved figures such as Mr Jeremy Fisher (Michael Coleman), Mrs Tiggywinkle
(Frederick Ashton), Jemima Puddleduck (Ann Howard), Squirrel Nutkin (Wayne Sleep,
who is also Tom Thumb), Pigling Bland (Alexander Grant, who is also the fabulous
Peter Rabbit) and Mrs Tittlemouse (Julie Wood) get up to hi-jinks and are brought
colourfully to life in this imaginative musical interpretation of Beatrix Potter's
stories.
Along with the lively dance displays that are so excellently crafted by The
Royal Ballet are amusing moments as a host of charming creatures go about their
daily business or meet in the woods or the fields. Beatrix Potter (Erin Geraghty)
takes her inspiration from the animals around her and weaves her fabulous stories.
A film of magical ballet to dramatic, classic music, Tales Of Beatrix Potter
is charming, fascinating, colourful and beautifully executed.
Tales Of Beatrix Potter is adapted for the screen by Richard Goodwin and
Christine Edzard, featuring the Dancers of The Royal Ballet; Leader of the Orchestra
is Charles Taylor; Photographic Effects by Tom Howard FRPS; Art Director is
John Howell; Director of Photography is Austin Dempster; Music is Composed and
Scored by The Royal Ballet's John Lanchbery, Conducting the Orchestra of Royal
Opera House, Covent Garden; Sets and Costumes designed by Christine Edzard;
Choreography by Frederick Ashton; Executive Producer is John Brabourne; Produced
by Richard Goodwin; and Directed by Reginald Mills (editor of Tales Of Hoffman,
The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, A Matter Of Life And Death).
The film also features: Keith Martin as Johnny Townmouse; Robert Mead as Fox;
Garry Grant as Alexander; Sally Ashby as Mrs Pettitoes; Brenda Last as Black
Berkshire Pig; Michael Coleman as Jeremy Fisher; Lesley Collier as Hunca Munca;
Leslie Edwards as Owl; Sally Ashby as Tabitha Twitchit; Joan Benham as The Nurse;
and Wilfred Babbage as The Butler.
• Celebrating the 40th anniversary
of the film's original release, the classic ballet film Tales Of Beatrix
Potter will be available on Blu-ray for the first time. Out as a Double
Play from 4 April 2011. Cert U | Total Running Time: 86 Minutes Approx | Catalogue
No DVD: OPTD1924 | RRP: £22.99 / Catalogue No Blu-ray: OPTBD1924 | RRP: £22.99.
"A film of magical ballet to dramatic, classic music, Tales Of Beatrix Potter
is charming, fascinating, colourful and beautifully executed" —
Maggie Woods, MotorBar
“A
glorious extravaganza featuring