WORLD-CLASS dance company Northern Ballet will bring two shows to the south for the first time, it has been revealed.

The award-winning company will perform at The Mayflower, Southampton, in May 2014 as part of its national tour with its Olivier Award-nominated A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a new ballet for children, Three Little Pigs.

Northern Ballet is one of the UK’s most prolific ballet companies, with an established reputation for high-quality and inspirational new full-length ballets.

Northern Ballet’s chief executive Mark Skipper said: “We are delighted to announce the addition of this major new venue on the south coast to our national tour.

“We are committed to bringing world-class ballet to the widest possible audience, and The Mayflower gives us an opportunity to extend that reach.

“The Mayflower is already home to a great variety of dance productions and we are excited to add Northern Ballet’s work to the mix.

“We hope to captivate and inspire audiences and to develop a long relationship with the theatre and the city of Southampton.”

Their version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by artistic director David Nixon, will be in Southampton from May 27 to May 31. The production sees the romantic antics of a touring dance company played out on one magical night as the company travels by sleeper train from London to Edinburgh.

It’s the final rehearsal and emotions run high as artistic temperaments clash with romantic entanglements. The time comes to leave for Edinburgh, but the tensions continue on board the train and as the company settles down for the night, the train enters a tunnel and the dream begins.

‘Thrilled’ Children’s ballet Three Little Pigs is the perfect opportunity to introduce little ones to the magic of live ballet, music and theatre at child-friendly performances lasting approximately 40 minutes.

Michael Ockwell, Mayflower chief executive, said he was thrilled to announce the addition to the 2014 programme.

He said: “I set out in our new artistic vision to provide a programme of events that is wide-ranging and eclectic and this involved bringing the finest dance companies to the south.

“I look forward to developing a strong partnership with Northern Ballet to bring more of their original productions for our audiences to enjoy and to complement the wonderful dance we already offer.”

Tickets are on sale now.