London City Ballet, the first dance company Christopher Marney saw live, is poised for revival after almost 30 years of dormancy. He reveals his bold plans in an interview with Deborah Wales.
When I meet Christopher Marney in the café/bar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, it seems a very apt spot to be discussing his next audacious venture. Marney is about to relaunch London City Ballet – a company that has lain dormant for almost thirty years.
Founded in 1978 by the late Harold King (1949–2020), the London City Ballet (LCB) had enormous appeal and was staunchly supported by ballet lovers across the UK. It started with lunchtime shows at the Arts Theatre in London’s Leicester Square, and for almost twenty years became one of the most popular and successful touring companies, having regular seasons at major venues including Sadler’s Wells. Its reputation was enhanced when Diana, Princess of Wales, became the patron in 1983, doing a huge amount to raise the profile of the company and its dancers. She remained its patron until 1996 when financial problems forced the company to close.
The demise of the company was widely mourned, but Marney is about to change all that...Keep reading on Bachtrack.
When I meet Christopher Marney in the café/bar at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, it seems a very apt spot to be discussing his next audacious venture. Marney is about to relaunch London City Ballet – a company that has lain dormant for almost thirty years.
Founded in 1978 by the late Harold King (1949–2020), the London City Ballet (LCB) had enormous appeal and was staunchly supported by ballet lovers across the UK. It started with lunchtime shows at the Arts Theatre in London’s Leicester Square, and for almost twenty years became one of the most popular and successful touring companies, having regular seasons at major venues including Sadler’s Wells. Its reputation was enhanced when Diana, Princess of Wales, became the patron in 1983, doing a huge amount to raise the profile of the company and its dancers. She remained its patron until 1996 when financial problems forced the company to close.
The demise of the company was widely mourned, but Marney is about to change all that...Keep reading on Bachtrack.