Featuring excerpts from past works in the first half of the show, the McNicol Ballet Collective’s Here and Now at Hull’s City Hall was extraordinary – a breathtaking fusion of innovation, artistry, and emotional depth that left the audience visibly moved and wholly inspired. This was one’s third outing to see this polished troupe of performers and, once again, it didn’t disappoint.
Choreographer Andrew McNicol has created a new piece for the second half of the programme that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, weaving classical technique with bold contemporary expression. The latest work was masterfully crafted, offering moments of quiet introspection, explosive energy, and sheer poetic beauty. The red and terracotta costumes helped the dance flow and the dancers looked effortless. The brilliant soundtrack by Jeremy Birchall, coupled with Yaron Abulafia’s striking lighting design made for compelling viewing and their work should be commended here.
The artists were exceptional – athletic, graceful, and intensely expressive. Every movement felt purposeful, and their connection to the music and each other brought a rare kind of electricity to the space, transforming Hull City Hall into a dreamscape of shifting moods and textures, complementing the choreography without ever overwhelming it.
What made Here and Now so unforgettable, though, was its sense of immediacy. It felt like a celebration of the present moment – an invitation to pause, reflect, and be fully alive. In a world that often moves too fast, McNicol has given us something profound: a chance to breathe, to feel, and to connect through the universal language of dance. Using Gender Blind partnerships in the Pas De Deux sequences was the perfect choice for this experimental work, expertly breaking down dance normalities by breathing new life into the classical genre.
In sum, this show was an absolute triumph. If you have the chance to see this company live, don’t hesitate – they are redefining what contemporary ballet can be. The bare stage, with the aesthetic of a rehearsal room and using only a white Cyc as a backdrop, meant that the dance became the focus. A welcome addition to the Hull Culture and Leisure programme. Long may the work continue to create and inspire.
Reviewed on 29th March 2025
