Birmingham Royal Ballet reveals 2021/22 plans, including Carlos Curates: R&J Reimagined, Sir Kenneth Macmillan’s Romeo and Juliet, and Carlos Acosta’s brand-new production of Don Quixote

After 14 months away from their home theatre, Birmingham Royal Ballet are today delighted to announce their plans to return to Birmingham Hippodrome this October with a season from Director Carlos Acosta that again balances the new and the classic, beginning with contrasting tellings of, arguably, the greatest love story ever told.

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s passionate Romeo and Juliet choreography and Prokofiev’s glorious score will set hearts alight in this enduringly popular, classic interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragedy created especially for Birmingham Royal Ballet. From the balcony scene’s ecstatic pas de deux, exploring love in all its soaring wonder, to the lovers’ heart-breaking ends, Romeo and Juliet is ballet at its most poignant and beautiful.

Carlos Curates: R&J Reimagined sees Romeo and Juliet get a very different treatment with the Company premiere of Romanian choreographer Edward Clug’s Radio and Juliet, a reinvention of the classic story set to the music of Radiohead, featuring tracks from Kid A, Amnesiac and OK Computer. This version explores what could have happened if Juliet decided not to take her own life, and is an exhilarating, emotional rollercoaster that has toured the world to widespread acclaim since its premiere in 2005.

Radio and Juliet will form a double bill with a new work from Birmingham-based choreographer Rosie Kay, further details to be announced.

Carlos Acosta said: ‘Shakespeare’s timeless story of love and passion has inspired so many versions over the centuries, not least translated into dance. We’re exploring some of this rich reinterpretation in our double bill Carlos Curates: R&J Reimagined, also in October. I really love Edward Clug’s contemporary reinvention of the story and I’m also thrilled that we are continuing to build relationships with other Birmingham arts companies and that we’ll be joined by Rosie Kay Dance Company who will complete this exciting programme.’

This festive season, Birmingham Royal Ballet will bring The Nutcracker back to the city when Birmingham Hippodrome welcomes the return of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy in November. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s superb dancers and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia weave their magic with the timeless choreography and glorious Tchaikovsky score to create a quintessential Christmas treat for all the family.

For spring 2022, Carlos Acosta promises entertainment for all ages when he brings an explosion of Spanish sunshine, spectacular dance and vivacious comedy to the Hippodrome stage.

In a new production created especially for Birmingham Royal Ballet, Don Quixote introduces us to Cervantes’ famous knight himself, lovers Kitri and Basilio, and a host of supporting characters. As the Don sets out on a quest to track down his true love, with his loyal friend and servant Sancho Panza at his side, he finds himself embroiled in an unlikely adventure of love and dreams.

Carlos Acosta said: ‘We can’t wait to bring a much loved classic and some exciting new productions to our home stage of Birmingham Hippodrome.’ 

Birmingham Hippodrome Artistic Director and CEO. Fiona Allan said: ‘After nearly 18 months absence it’s both a delight and a relief to be welcoming Birmingham Royal Ballet back to their home on the Hippodrome stage, for Carlos Acosta’s first full season at the helm this autumn.  Personally I can’t wait for R&J Reimagined, which will be the perfect introduction to Carlos’ bold new vision for the company.’

Romeo and Juliet
Music Sergei Prokofiev; Choreography Kenneth MacMillan
Wednesday 6 – Saturday 9 October
On sale 18 June

Carlos Curates: R&J Reimagined
Thursday 14 – Saturday 16 October
On sale 18 June

The Nutcracker
Saturday 20 November – Saturday 11 December
On sale

Don Quixote
Music Ludwig Minkus; Choreography Carlos Acosta after Marius Petipa
Friday 18 – Saturday 26 February
On sale 18 June