The production is a work by Factory International and The Royal Ballet…
Based on the Christopher Isherwood novel from 1964 this July, The Royal Ballet and Factory International will present the world premiere of a brand-new adaptation of Isherwood’s masterpiece playing at Aviva Studios 2-6 July. The production will then transfer to the Royal Opera House‘s Linbury Theatre from 8-20 September with general booking opening on 2 July at rbo.org.uk.
Jonathan Watkins, Director and Choreographer:
“This poetic novel is an inspiring and complex story of the human experience and what it means to be alive. It’s this and Isherwood’s approach to the relationship between mind and body that gives me the reasons to imagine it using dance narrative and song.
“Bringing the minds’ voice out in the production with the incredible singer-songwriter John Grant is a dream come true. To weave these new songs with the sound world of the brilliant composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman and work in collaboration with a highly talented group of dance artists and creatives to achieve this vision is truly an honour.”
Award-winning director and choreographer Jonathan Watkins is set to transform Christopher Isherwood’s classic novel into an original contemporary ballet in collaboration with singer-songwriter John Grant and composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman.
Acclaimed former Royal Ballet Principal Ed Watson will dance the central role of George at performances in Manchester with the exception of Saturday 5 July. Multi-award-winning dancer, choreographer, and movement director Jonathan Goddard will dance the role of George on Saturday 5 July and Jim at all other performances. The performance schedule for Linbury Theatre performances can be found at rbo.org.uk.
The full Company includes Harry Alexander, Naia Bautista, Laura Careless, Felicity Chadwick, Winnie Dias, Elle Fierce, James Hay (Royal Ballet First Soloist), Chester Hayes, Greig Matthews, Kristen McNally (Royal Ballet Principal Character Artist), Marie Astrid Mence, Nina Murphy and James Stephens.
Jasmin Kent Rodgman, composer:
“Jonathan Watkins’ artistic vision and approach in translating groundbreaking stories for dance and the stage are second to none. I was so excited when he approached me to score his adaptation of A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood. It’s devastatingly witty, searing and tender, all at once. It’s an honour to breathe musical life into this seminal queer work on grief, love and being human. Shaping this ballet together, fusing my score with songs from the inimitable John Grant–I think we’ve created something incredibly special here. I can’t wait for the world to see and hear what the whole team has been dreaming up.”
John Grant has composed seven new songs for the production, performed live by him on stage at every performance accompanied by five musicians from the Manchester Collective and fused with compositions by Jasmin Kent Rodgman.
Weaving together an exhilarating choreographic blend of ballet and contemporary dance from Jonathan Watkins, the creative team features Original Costume Concepts by Oscar-winning Holly Waddington (Poor Things) and Costume Designer Eleanor Bull, set designer Chiara Stephenson – known for her work with SZA, Lorde, Florence + the Machine and Björk – as well as lighting designer Simisola Majekodunmi and Sound Designer Emma Laxton.
Isherwood’s 1964 novel follows George, a gay, middle-aged professor navigating life in 1960s California. Widely recognised as a pioneering work of twentieth-century fiction, the novel was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film by fashion designer Tom Ford starring Colin Firth.
George is grieving after the sudden death of his long-term partner Jim. He wonders if life is still worth living and spends his day looking for ways to connect with the people around him. But there is another George: one who loves life. Can he reconcile these two parts of himself? Will a chance encounter remind him of joy?
John Grant, composer and performer:
“When Jonathan Watkins got in touch to ask me to write songs for a production of Christopher Isherwood’s A Single Man, I was certainly intrigued. I had seen Tom Ford’s excellent film adaption of the book, but never read it myself. So I did just that and I have to say I was completely blown away and I still can’t believe it took more than 56 years to get to it.
“I don’t remember ever having had it recommended to me which puzzles me. After meeting with Jonathan and hearing him speak about his passion and vision for the project I knew I had to have a part in interpreting this masterpiece for the stage. It is truly an honour.”
Tickets at factoryinternational.org.
A Single Man
Aviva Studios, Manchester
2 – 6 July 2025
Royal Opera House, Linbury Theatre
8 – 20 September 2025
