As the lines between ballet and contemporary dance start to blur, opportunities for dancers to get their teeth into a character become increasingly scarce. But if there’s one place guaranteed to provide the full dress-up and pretend experience, it’s the Christmas ballet.

‘I always think that as a dancer it’s so much more fun to play someone else other than you,’ says Scottish Ballet’s Daniel Davidson. ‘So I’m really into the character-based work, and like approaching it differently each time.’

For Christopher Hampson’s new ballet, Hansel & Gretel, Davidson will take on the role of the Sandman – a witch’s accomplice who helps lure the children to the gingerbread house.

Inspired by the original Grimm fairytale, and creative workshops held with members of the public through the ‘Hansel & Gretel and You’ project, Hampson’s production gives a new twist to an old tale.

Set in the 1950s, all the fairytale characters start the show as real people. A group of young guys in leather jackets (think T-Birds from Grease) in Act 1 become a flock of scary ravens in Act 2. While Davidson’s Sandman transforms from a Mod into a spooky character whose costume is inspired by Johnny Depp in Sleepy Hollow. It’s a role he’s clearly looking forward to.

‘This is the first time I’ve played a baddy,’ says Davidson, ‘so that’s going to be fun. I always go for it in rehearsals, but then when I’m on stage with the set and costumes, and your face is all made up, I really go for it. So I might even have to bring it back in a bit.’

Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 10–Sat 28 Dec.

Scottish Ballet: Hansel & Gretel - Photo Shoot