LEON Moran is in a good position to judge what it is that makes Matthew Bourne one of the world’s finest choreographers.

He has been part of a number of Bourne’s New Adventures Company productions and next week returns to his native Manchester when The Red Shoes comes to the Lowry,

In typical Bourne fashion, the production is a re-working of the classic 1948 film from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger which starred Moira Shearer.

“A lot of people come to New Adventures’ productions who haven’t watched dance before,” said Leon, “and they find that they can get into the story straight away even though it is dance. What Matt does is to make the whole thing very clear and accessible. He wants us as performers to invest in the characters.”

The Red Shoes is a new show which had a sell-out run in London before heading out on a UK tour.

Leon said that Matthew Bourne has worked closely with the cast to develop the new work.

“Matt has the idea of what he wants and the themes he wants to run with,” said Leon. “But he then lets you take that and interpret it your own way.

“We had a lot of workshops before we even started rehearsals and it’s a two-way thing so we do have some artistic licence.

“The story is so important - most of the notes we get aren’t movement based they are about the story. “

Leon takes on three roles in the Red Shoes including that of Grischa Lubov the ballet master of the Red Shoes ballet company.

“The production is quite dark at times,” said Leon, “I wouldn’t say that it is a family show like the Nutcracker or Sleeping Beauty. This has more adult themes in it.”

Set in the world of dance, the Red Shoes takes you behind the scenes of a ballet company as a young dancer and composer are caught up in a world where love, art and success all fight to outdo each other.

“I went to see New Adventures when they did Car Man at the Lowry when I was younger,” said Leon. “I remember thinking ‘that is really what I want to do’ and I have been so fortunate to be able to work with New Adventures on a number of productions.”

Leon studied at the Central Ballet School and within a month of graduating got a part in Nutcracker. Since then he has worked with Matthew Bourne in Sleeping Beauty, Edward Scissorhands and Car Man

“The way they cast a show is very role specific,” said Leon. “It is a bit like the major West End shows. They want people to look like real people and so we are all different shapes and sizes.

“It’s not like the Royal Ballet for example, where everyone looks the same and has the same physique. That’s a different form of the art.”

With the show heading to Manchester, Leon is getting the chance to spend some time at home - he grew up in Chorlton where his parents still live.

“Staying at home will make a nice change from forever being in digs,” he said. “I even get my meals made and can get a lift in to work!”

After Lowry and then Birmingham, The Red Shoes will end its UK run but after a brief rest, the company will be taking the show to America for an eight-week run.

“This is an amazing production to be part of,” said Leon.

The Red Shoes, the Lowry, Salford Quays, Tuesday, July 11 to Saturday, July 15. Details from 0843 208 6005 or www.thelowry.com