Whether it’s Mod-inspired spectaculars, heavy metal magic or family-friendly adaptations of historic literary masterworks, Lowry’s upcoming ballet season showcases some of the world’s best dancers, choreography and original writing in a dazzlingly eclectic programme running throughout 2025 and into next year.
On Tue 15 Jul, Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK rumble into town on a sparkling Lambretta moped with their wildly inventive mod ballet, Quadrophenia.
Inspired by The Who’s iconic titular album, the rollicking celebration of Britain’s vibrant polo-adorned subculture reimagines the 1979 cult classic feature film with a cast of decorated dancers, as Jimmy’s story is brought to life in a whirlwind dance extravaganza inspired by the reworked soul, refined psychedelia and social empowerment that defined a generation.
Set to Rachel Fuller’s orchestral reimagining of Pete Townshend’s seminal work, choreographer Paul Roberts and director Rob Ashford unite the best of Britain’s theatre, film and dance talent to bring a raw, emotionally charged new dimension to one of the greatest rock opera records of all time.
Bringing Birmingham’s musical heritage to life with a thoroughly unique theatrical experience, Carlos Acosta crashes onto the Lowry stage with his Black Sabbath ballet production this October.
Devised by three composers and three choreographers, led by the esteemed Pontus Lidburg (Swedish Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet) and Chris Austin (White Stripes for Wayne McGregor’s Chroma) alongside award-winning writer Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer, The Opera), the earth-shattering metal symphony – staged in three acts – features thrilling dance and innovative orchestrations of legendary Sabbath tunes like Paranoid and Iron Man, as well as new works inspired by their catalogue.
Book tickets to the ‘ballsy, full-blooded celebration of heavy metal and classical ballet’ (The Stage) below.
Hailed as ‘utterly enthralling’ in the Daily Express’ five-star review, Matthew Bourne’s enchanting double Olivier-winning adaptation of the timeless Powell and Pressburger film takes over Lowry this November with a heady, heartbreaking drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences.
Having delighted audiences and inspired dancers across generations for more than 75 years, The Red Shoes is an unforgettable tale of obsession, possession and ambition, as Victoria Page strives to become the greatest dancer in the world, but her goals mutate into a lethal struggle between the men who inspire her.
In March 2026, BRB Director Carlos Acosta returns to Lowry with a fresh, exhilarating revival of Cervantes’ definitive 17th century novel.
Ideal for the whole family, Don Quixote brings a welcome shot of Spanish sunshine to the early Salford spring with two nights of spellbinding music from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and mesmerising pas de deux sequences.
Next June, dance-based storytelling masters Northern Ballet present a stunning recollection of the remarkable story of Anne Lister, better known as Gentleman Jack.
Choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and performed to new live music by Claire Cowan, the company’s show-stopping new production follows the inspirational, unapologetic Yorkshire women whose secret diaries uncovered a life of liberation and defiance following her death.
Standing unbowed against 19th century societal conventions, Anne Lister lived, dressed and loved as she desired, chronicling her extraordinary journey with vividly rendered heartache and soul-stirring triumph.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Mon 2 Jun 2025
Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Midnight Bell comes to Salford for the first time this July.
Inspired by English literary titan Patrick Hamilton, Bourne’s period piece unfolds on the streets of 1930s London, where a diverse cohort of workers, vagabonds and local denizens pour out of boarding houses to bask in their dreams and exorcise their regrets inside the titular Soho tavern.