North East dance film shortlisted for national award
Rapunzel Red reimagines balletLORENT’s acclaimed stage production
A powerful North East-made dance film has earned national recognition, becoming the region’s sole contender at the prestigious National Dance Awards 2025.
Rapunzel Red, directed by actor-director Ben Crompton (Game of Thrones) and Alex Ayre, is one of five films shortlisted in the Best Dance Film category. It faces competition from the likes of the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet and celebrated Venezuelan director Javier de Frutos.
Shot at Gala Theatre Durham in 2024, the 77-minute film reimagines balletLORENT’s acclaimed stage production Rapunzel After Dark, which toured nationally the previous year.
Created for adult audiences, the piece takes a darker look at the classic fairytale, exploring themes of desire, grief and the complexities of love and parenthood.
With choreography by balletLORENT’s artistic director Liv Lorent and a script by former poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, the story unfolds from the perspectives of Rapunzel’s parents and the Witch. It stars Lesley Sharp and features music by Doctor Who composer Murray Gold, alongside a cast of eight dancers.
Shot over four days, the film captures raw, intimate performances and emotional nuance that are often missed on stage. It is currently available to stream for subscribers to Marquee TV.
Selected from over 30 submissions by a panel of Critics’ Circle experts, Rapunzel Red has already made waves internationally, winning Best Dance Film at the Beyond the Curve International Film Festival in Paris.
The winners of the 25th National Dance Awards will be announced on June 9 at the Barbican Centre in London.
Liv Lorent said: "We’re truly honoured to be shortlisted for this award alongside such exceptional work. Rapunzel Red was a deeply collaborative project, and it means a great deal to see it recognised in this way."
Executive director Kylie Lloyd added: "This nomination is a proud moment for the whole team.
"It reflects the creativity, commitment, and talent that went into making Rapunzel Red, and we’re thrilled to see it acknowledged by the National Dance Awards."