Le Corsaire (Tour – Manchester)

If you are used to ballets featuring many a female character and a lack of males or at least a good gender mix, Le Corsaire might give you a nice surprise.

This tale of pirates, the high seas and true love is a jaunty and upbeat dance piece which will leave you with a spring in your step. A pirate ship captained by hero Conrad attempt to rescue Medora (Conrad's lover).

Act one is quite leisurely but there is plenty of humour and the dancers glide across the stage at such pace, that you'll easily forgive the slower elements of the narrative.

Act two gains momentum and the piece settles down and you are left with a big smile on your face, as the dancers race past you – gaining applause at every turn. Yonah Acosta, Vadim Muntagirov and Laurretta Summerscales all impress because of the sheer amount ground they cover. But each member of the company deliver measured and beautiful turns.

There is plenty of humour also in a show that does not take itself too seriously all of the time. Bob Ringwood's set design and gorgeous costumes give a great sense of period. The ship alone is worth the admission price, as it sits bobbing about on the water. Apt, considering the freaky weather we are experiencing of late. The show oozes colour and the bright backdrops provide warmth on a winter night.

Alex Ingram conducts the pitch perfect orchestra and the music is absolutely delightful – providing poignancy and giving the dancers the ideal accompaniment in which to convey their magic. Watching this delightful and wacky tale reminded me of a Hollywood classic. The twists and turns might make very little sense narratively speaking but when the cast and audience are having this much fun, who cares.

Delicate, fast, and superbly danced, Le Corsaire is a treat – in that it gives you contrast and enjoyment for anyone fed up with seeing endless mechanical versions of Swan Lake or Coppelia.

Le Corsaire is at the Palace Theatre, Manchester until 15 February.