Birmingham Royal Ballet show funded by donations

The first ballet produced in Britain to be entirely funded by donations from the public and private companies has opened in Birmingham.

Birmingham Royal Ballet believe Aladdin is the first British ballet paid for solely by members of public and private enterprises.

The dance company said that as arts companies were seeing major cuts in funding, it was vital for them to find alternative sources of funding.

The fundraising campaign has been fronted by former Royal Ballet star Darcey Bussell.

Principal dancer Ian MacKay said Aladdin was a great "first-time ballet" for people who had never seen one before.

David Bintley, the ballet company's director, said the public support had been "amazing".