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The Royal Ballet has unveiled an exciting programme for its 2025 & 2026 season, placing bold storytelling and international collaboration at its heart.

Royal Ballet Artistic Director Kevin O’Hare continues to push boundaries in his 14th season at the helm, presenting a richly diverse line-up of new commissions and landmark premieres — including a major UK debut for one of America’s most dynamic choreographers.

Justin Peck Makes UK Debut with Sufjan Stevens Ballet

One of the most anticipated highlights is Everywhere We Go, a visually striking ballet by Justin Peck, resident choreographer at New York City Ballet. Set to a sweeping, cinematic orchestral score by indie icon Sufjan Stevens, the piece fuses classical technique with an unmistakable New York pulse. Though first staged in 2014, this will be the first time a UK company performs Peck’s work — something O’Hare describes as “big, bold, and full of energy.”

Akram Khan Brings Eugene Onegin to Life in New Full-Length Ballet

In another major moment, internationally renowned choreographer Akram Khan returns with his first-ever work for the Royal Opera House main stage. Titled Carnage and the Divine, Khan’s new full-length ballet is inspired by Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin, a meditation on heartbreak and unrequited love. Created for a small ensemble, the piece will feature Royal Ballet principal Francesca Hayward in a key role.

Global Talent Joins the Royal Ballet Roster

Marking a long-overdue collaboration, British choreographer Paul Lightfoot and his creative partner Sol León will bring their unique vision to a UK stage for the first time. The duo — known for their prolific work with Nederlands Dans Theater — will reimagine their pandemic-era film Standby for a live Royal Ballet audience.

Wayne McGregor returns with a brand-new one-act piece, as well as a revival of his celebrated Woolf Works, marking a decade since its original debut. Also returning is Cathy Marston, following the critical success of The Cellist, with a new abstract ballet set to Benjamin Britten’s Violin Concerto.

A Single Man, Pierrot Lunaire, and More at the Linbury

Former Royal Ballet dancer Jonathan Watkins will premiere A Single Man at the Linbury Theatre as part of Manchester International Festival. Inspired by Christopher Isherwood’s novel — famously adapted by Tom Ford for the big screen — the production features a striking cast, including Edward Watson and Jonathan Goddard, with a live score performed by singer-songwriter John Grant.

Fans of avant-garde ballet can look forward to the revival of Glen Tetley’s Pierrot Lunaire, celebrating the choreographer’s centenary year. Set to Arnold Schoenberg’s haunting 1912 song cycle, this boundary-pushing piece was once danced by Rudolf Nureyev and remains a cult classic.

Returning Favourites and Global Guests

The new season will also welcome back audience favourites such as Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate, alongside a selection of timeless classics. The Linbury Theatre continues to champion international talent, with South Africa’s Joburg Ballet presenting Salomé by the late, trailblazing choreographer Dada Masilo.

With such a vibrant and varied programme, the Royal Ballet’s upcoming season promises to captivate longtime fans and new audiences alike, reaffirming its place at the cutting edge of global dance.

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Main photo: Royal Ballet and Opera

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