NORTHERN Ballet's new production for children, Puss in Boots, will embark on a national tour in the spring following this month's world premiere in Leeds.

Theatre venues in this region include Durham, Middlesbrough and Harrogate.

Puss in Boots tells the fairytale story of a cat who, despite being both clever and charming, always seems to bring his master bad luck.

The child friendly 40-minute ballet follows the pair's adventures as they meet a flurry of characters and even come face to face with royalty.

Created especially for children and families to experience live dance, music and theatre together, the ballet follows five previous children’s works by Northern Stage which all achieved huge popularity on stage and in CBeebies TV adaptations.

It is choreographed by Jenna Lee, founder and creative director of JLeeProductions and former English National Ballet soloist, with sets by Ali Allen, lighting by Alastair West, costume designs by Jenna Lee in collaboration with Kim Brassley and Carley Marsh, and music composed by Richard Norriss, played live by members of the Northern Ballet Sinfonia at every venue.

Daniel de Andrade, artistic director of children’s ballets, said: ‘We are delighted to be touring Puss in Boots extensively across the country next spring. Our short ballets have been enchanting children across the UK for several years and we look forward to continuing that tradition with Jenna Lee’s new production."

Dates and venues include: Middlesbrough Theatre, Wednesday, April 24, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 5pm, box office 01642 815181, middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk; Durham Gala Theatre, Thursday, April 25, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm, box office 03000 266600, galadurham.co.uk; and Harrogate Theatre, Thursday, May 30, 2pm & 4pm, and Friday, May 31, noon, 2pm & 4pm, box office 01423 502116, harrogatetheatre.co.uk (on sale soon).