BalletBoyz return with ‘most ambitious’ production for limited run
In partnership with Sadler’s Wells
By Dale Fox
Dance company BalletBoyz have announced a limited return to the stage this winter with its “most ambitious” production ever, headed to London for four nights only.
‘England on Fire’ will see over 40 performers come together for an immersive theatrical experience, featuring live music from folk to punk. It will come to Sadler’s Wells Theatre from 8 till 11 November.
The groundbreaking artbook of the same name by Stephen Ellcock and Mat Osman was the inspiration for the production. Over its limited run, the show promises to find meaning amid the challenges of life by examining both our history and our present.
“With ‘England on Fire’, we’re doing what we love best: embracing the chaos of an eclectic group of collaborators without fear or inhibition” BalletBoyz founders Michael Nunn and William Trevitt said.
The show “recounts a search for meaning amidst the challenges of life, modern, and ancient,” producers say. They add that “audiences are invited to get lost in elusive explorations of trust and betrayal, friendship and love, identity and loneliness, honour and redemption.”
‘England on Fire’ promises to be BalletBoyz’ “most ambitious, audacious, and political creation to date”.
“An extraordinary cultural event”
Helming the one-off production are some of dance’s leading choreographers. This includes Edd Arnold, Lucy Bennett, Holly Blakey, Ola Ince, Shelley Maxwell, Russell Maliphant, Vidya Patel and Thick & Tight.
Meanwhile, composers Gwilym Gold, Charlotte Harding, Keaton Henson, Cassie Kinoshi, Mukul and Joe Zeitlin have taken care of the score. Their work will be supported by a “3D soundscape” for an immersive theatrical experience.
Music from singer-songwriter Kami Thompson and post-punk band Gag Salon will puncuate the 12-strong BalletBoyz troupe’s performance.
“We realised that we no longer wanted to second-guess every element of making new productions for fear of getting it wrong,” Nunn and Trevitt said.
“Instead, we are following our instincts and presenting an extraordinary cultural event that exemplifies a confident England, on fire with talent, ambition, potential and rebellion.”
The all-male dance company’s last production was 2022’s Deluxe, delayed by two years due to the pandemic, also at Sadler’s Wells.
Tickets for ‘England on Fire’ are available now from Sadler’s Wells’ website.