New dance at Sadler’s Wells: Oona Doherty’s Specky Clark is here

Posted: 13/03/2025

Sadler’s Wells Theatre is set to host the UK premiere of Specky Clark, the latest creation by the acclaimed choreographer and Associate Artist Oona Doherty. Running from Friday 9 to Saturday 10 May, the production marks a homecoming of sorts, bringing Doherty’s bold and evocative dance theatre to a London audience for the first time. First premiering in Aix-en-Provence last November, Specky Clark blends biographical and fictional storytelling to explore Doherty’s family history. At the heart of the piece is her Great Great Grandfather Specky Clark and his arrival in Belfast. Through surreal, theatrical imagery, Doherty unravels family tales spanning docks work, backyard pig-keeping, abattoirs, and butcher shops, all threaded together with Irish mythology and folklore. Set on Samhain (Halloween), when the veil between worlds is thinnest, the production dives into questions of ancestry, identity, and the fragility of sanity. Bringing this vivid vision to life is an international cast of nine dancers, with gender-swapped roles adding a modern twist. The production draws inspiration from sources as varied as Animal Farm, The Blind Boy Podcast, and Francis Bacon’s paintings. Mercury Prize-nominated Irish band Lankum provides the haunting soundtrack, while the creative team includes Maxime Jerry Fraisse on sound design, playwright Enda Walsh as dramaturg, Sabine Dargent as scenographer, and lighting by Doherty’s long-time collaborator John Gunning. Excited to debut the work to a London crowd, Oona Doherty said, “This will be the first time Specky will play to an English speaking audience. I am super excited and curious to see how it lands here in… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, DANCE, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Sadler's Wells

Dance at Sadler’s Wells East: a gripping duet of love, betrayal and brotherhood

by James Banham

Updated: 10/03/2025

This May, Sadler’s Wells East invites audiences on a deeply emotional and visceral journey with the world premiere of KABEL, the latest work by the extraordinary Matsena brothers. Fresh from their critically acclaimed run of Shades of Blue at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 2022, Anthony and Kel Matsena return with an electrifying interpretation of one of humanity’s oldest stories. Running from Monday 5th to Wednesday 7th May, KABEL explores the ancient tale of Cain and Abel, reimagined through the unique lens of the Matsena brothers’ movement and text. It’s an unflinching examination of love, betrayal, and the raw tangle of emotions that accompany sibling rivalry. At its core lies a question that has echoed through history – what drives the ones we love most to become our greatest betrayers, and what are the consequences of this ultimate fracture? Dance Meets Ancient Myth Drawing inspiration from the well-known biblical tale of fratricide, KABEL deftly weaves the beauty and brutality of brotherhood into a layered narrative. With motion and words, the brothers take audiences through the stages of life shared by Cain and Abel, the first brothers. At first, the piece transports us to the joyful innocence of childhood, where bonds are formed with the carefree nature of youth. Then comes adolescence, where love evolves and jealousy finds its way into human connection. And finally, we are led to adulthood, where the warmth of shared youth cools into silence, tension, and an inevitable storm of betrayal. Anthony and Kel Matsena capture the essence of these defining moments… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Dance, London dance, Sadler's Wells

Sadler’s Wells London hosts Van Cleef & Arpels’ Dance Reflections festival across

by James Banham

Updated: 11/03/2025

This year, the celebration spans the spectrum of dance, from iconic contemporary choreographers to rising stars making waves on the scene.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, DANCE, FEATURES, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Sadler's Wells, Van Cleef Arpels

Sydney Dance Company’s new show: Somos

by James Banham

Updated: 05/02/2025

This vibrant masterpiece is not just coming back—it’s heading to Melbourne for its highly anticipated debut at the Arts Centre from 13–23 March, before gracing the Sydney Dance Company’s Neilson Studio from 27 March–6 April. If you missed the 2023 sold-out world premiere (shame on you!), here’s your chance to witness what all the buzz is about.

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, FEATURES, SYDNEY

Tags: rafael bonachela

Sadler’s Wells dance brings us ROOH: Within Her

by James Banham

Updated: 03/02/2025

Pagrav Dance Company, renowned for its fusion of tradition and contemporary storytelling, is proud to present the latest work from visionary choreographer Urja Desai Thakore. Her solo kathak piece, ROOH: Within Her, will grace Sadler’s Wells Lilian Baylis Studio from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 April, showcasing her dynamic artistry and innovation in one of the UK’s most prestigious venues. Urja Desai Thakore, celebrated as one of the leading kathak dancers in the UK, has collaborated with internationally acclaimed poet and dramaturg Karthika Nair to craft a narrative exploring tales of female courage and resilience. Anchored in legends, folklore, and family history, ROOH, meaning ‘essence’ in Gujarati, dives into characters whose heroism echoes through time. From the desperate mother of ancient Tamil literature searching the battlefield for her son’s body, to Chaaran Kanya and the fearless folk heroine Heerbai of Gujarati lore who drove away a lion with nothing but her bravery – these stories come alive on stage in a vivid celebration of female strength. Blending past and present, the production connects these legendary and lesser-known figures to collective and individual experiences that shape our identities today. Speaking on this, Urja Desai Thakore shares, “ROOH: Within Her continues my exploration of kathak as a reflective medium, intertwining tradition with contemporary narratives of identity and femininity. I’ve drawn on literature, folklore, and family stories to articulate buried voices and personal histories through movement.” The performance resonates with an evocative live score, performed by four talented musicians playing the mridangam, tabla, santoor, flute, and vocals, complemented… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LONDON

Tags: Dance, London dance, Sadler's Wells

KING dance production dazzles at Belgrade Dance Festival 2025

by James Banham

Posted: 25/01/2025

Shaun Parker & Company has achieved yet another milestone with its acclaimed dance production, KING, being selected for the prestigious Belgrade Dance Festival 2025. This electrifying performance will take the stage at Terazije Theatre in Belgrade on March 25 and 26, marking a new chapter in the global success story of one of Australia’s most dynamic contemporary dance companies. A globally acclaimed masterpiece Described as “powerful and ingenious” (Paneacqua Culture Magazine, Italy) and “a must-see” (Fjord Review, USA), KING has been a sell-out success since its 2019 debut in Sydney. Combining Shaun Parker’s bold, inventive choreography with the captivating music of Bulgarian composer Ivo Dimchev, the production’s impact has reverberated on stages worldwide, from Austria and Germany to Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and Palestine. Exploring themes of male power, control, and group dynamics, KING takes audiences to a surreal world, part cocktail-bar, part jungle. Conceived in collaboration with Australian philanthropist Penny Hunstead, the set design serves as the backdrop for a biting critique of patriarchal traditions. As Parker himself states, “KING is a tribute to a society that is rebelling against a dysfunctional patriarchal tradition.” The choreography, hailed as “gutsy and heart-wrenching” (Sydney Arts Guide), oscillates between humour and intensity, keeping audiences “on the edge of their seats.” Reviews have extolled the production’s ability to marry intricate physicality with theatricality. “Detailed, nuanced, imaginative, and something that is rare in dance—funny,” remarked Frankfurter Rundschau. Keiynan Lonsdale joins the cast Adding even more star power to the upcoming Belgrade performances, Australian actor, dancer, and singer-songwriter Keiynan Lonsdale will… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, DANCE, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Belgrade Dance Festival, king, shaun parker

Sadler’s Wells welcomes UK premiere of Akram Khan’s latest masterpiece

by James Banham

Posted: 02/11/2024

Mark your calendars, dance aficionados! The illustrious Sadler’s Wells Theatre is set to host the UK premiere of Akram Khan’s latest masterpiece, “GIGENIS: The generation of the Earth,” from November 20 to 24. In a rare and highly anticipated performance, Khan will not only direct but also grace the stage as a performer, bringing to life a compelling narrative alongside a stellar ensemble of Indian classical dance artists. Akram Khan, a powerhouse in the world of dance, is known for his seamless fusion of Kathak and contemporary styles, creating a unique voice that speaks across cultures and traditions. His works, such as “Jungle Book reimagined,” “Outwitting the Devil,” “XENOS,” and “Giselle,” have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him a place as one of the most esteemed choreographers and performers of our time. With “GIGENIS,” Khan delves into the collective memories of our civilisation, crafting a performance that is both a tribute to the past and a reflection on the present. The stage will come alive with the presence of renowned artists like Kutiyattam performer Kapila Venu, Bharatanatyam soloists Mavin Khoo and Mythili Prakash, and the duo Vijna Vasudevan and Renjith Babu, alongside Sirikalyani Adkoli. The performance will be enriched by the live collaboration of seven Indian Classical musicians, adding depth and vibrancy to the storytelling. “GIGENIS” is not just a dance performance; it’s a profound statement on the enduring resonance of tradition in our rapidly evolving world. Khan’s return to the London stage after four years is a momentous occasion, offering audiences a rare glimpse of… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: Akram Khan, Best dance London, Dance theatre, Sadlers wells

RG Live Presents the Return of Varna International Ballet and Orchestra

by James Banham

Updated: 04/11/2024

RG Live is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of the celebrated Varna International Ballet and Orchestra to the UK, following their breathtaking debut tour in 2023. In 2025, the esteemed company will grace 20 venues across the country, showcasing beloved classics including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet. Founded in 1947, Varna International Ballet is renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, captivating audiences in Bulgaria and beyond with performances of the highest quality. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Daniela Dimova and Music Director and Chief Conductor Peter Tuleshkov, Varna International Ballet promises to enchant both newcomers to ballet and devoted ballet aficionados. The tour kicks off in Manchester on 2 January 2025, with subsequent performances in Buxton, Bristol, Liverpool, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Basingstoke, Ipswich, Southend, Brighton, Nottingham, Reading, Oxford, Darlington, Wimbledon, Norwich, Hull, Sheffield, Leicester, and Northampton, concluding on 5 March. Artistic Director Daniela Dimova expressed her excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, “We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented company of dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.” The timeless magic of The Nutcracker begins on Christmas Eve, whisking audiences away to a fairy-tale realm where toy dolls come to life, the Mouse King battles the Nutcracker Prince, and a journey through the Land of Snow unveils an enchanted experience. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s memorable score and stunning choreography by Vasily Vainonen, revised by Sergey Bobrov, this… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, DANCE, LIFESTYLE

Dance, theatre and live music come together in Nobodaddy at Sadler’s Wells

by James Banham

Posted: 17/10/2024

Experience the magic of dance at Sadler’s Wells Theatre this November with the enchanting production of “Nobodaddy,” brought to life by the brilliant Michael Keegan-Dolan and his acclaimed company, Tea? Da?sa. Running from 27th to 30th November, this groundbreaking performance promises to captivate audiences with its innovative fusion of dance, theatre, and live music. Following the success of their previous work, Mám, Keegan-Dolan returns to Sadler’s Wells with Nobodaddy, a powerful and evocative creation co-produced by Sadler’s Wells and making its London premiere. Inspired by a William Blake poem, this production emerges from the heart of Ireland’s Gaeltacht in West Kerry, offering a unique exploration of themes that resonate deeply with audiences. Nobodaddy is a large-scale dance and theatre ritual, featuring nine dancers seamlessly blending movement with song, accompanied by six musicians performing live on stage. The piece includes the extraordinary talents of renowned folk singer Sam Amidon, whose expertise in banjo, guitar, and fiddle enriches the performance. With seven acclaimed solo albums to his name, Amidon’s collaboration with Tea? Da?sa brings a vibrant, musical heartbeat to this immersive experience. The name “Nobodaddy,” an anagram for “Old daddy Nobody” or “Nobody’s daddy,” was coined by English Romantic poet William Blake. While Blake’s Nobodaddy represented a destructive divinity, Tea? Da?sa’s interpretation is a tribute to peacemakers and the harbingers of goodwill—an artistic nod to the power of unity and creativity. Created over eight weeks in the scenic surroundings of Kerry, Nobodaddy is a testament to Keegan-Dolan’s distinctive style of contemporary dance. The production is a celebration… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LONDON

Tags: London dance, Sadler's Wells

National Theatre’s new show is a must-see this season

by James Banham

Posted: 27/09/2024

Hold onto your top hats, theatre enthusiasts, because the National Theatre is sprinkling a little stage magic with its latest announcement. They’re rolling out the red carpet for the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved book, “Ballet Shoes,” adapted by the talented Kendall Feaver, who you might remember from “The Almighty Sometimes.” This festive family feast will pirouette into the Olivier Theatre from 23 November 2024, promising to be the must-see show of the holiday season. Directing this enchanting spectacle is Katy Rudd, making her triumphant return to the National Theatre after her hit with “The Ocean at the End of the Lane.” Rudd’s directing prowess, paired with an all-star creative team, assures audiences are in for a visual and emotional treat. The set’s magic is conjured by Frankie Bradshaw, with costume wizardry by Samuel Wyer, and toe-tapping choreography by Ellen Kane. Composer Asaf Zohar crafts the musical atmosphere, while Gavin Sutherland handles dance arrangements and orchestrations. Lighting, sound, and video design elevate the experience, thanks to Paule Constable, Ian Dickinson, and Ash J Woodward respectively. The cast is a diverse tapestry of talent including Stacy Abalogun, Yanexi Enriquez as the ambitious Petrova Fossil, and Pearl Mackie as the nurturing Sylvia. They join a vibrant ensemble featuring the likes of Eryck Brahmania, Cordelia Braithwaite, and the dynamic trio of Grace Saif as Pauline Fossil, Justin Salinger as GUM/Fidolia, and Daisy Sequerra as Posy Fossil. Together, they bring to life the story of three adopted sisters living in a delightfully crumbling house garnished with… Read More

Category: ARTS & CULTURE, CITIES, DANCE, LIFESTYLE, LONDON

Tags: dance london, london theatres, National Theatre

Category: DANCE