Carmen

Overview

Johan Inger's fresh take on the classic tale of seduction and obsession

With its fiery drama and iconic music, Carmen never ceases to thrill. In this reimagined version, choreographer Johan Inger takes audiences deep into the passions and dark undercurrents of the original story – imbuing the enduring tale with new resonance.

Sensual and spirited, Carmen turns every head – including Don José’s. But when she refuses to fall under his control, he plunges into an abyss of jealousy and rage, with tragic consequences.

Inger’s choreography combines contemporary and classical movement to powerful effect. Nine large movable mirrors frame the action – transporting us from a town square through to the troubled mind of Don José. Menace and foreboding loom over the stage, thanks to additional music by Marc Alvarez which complements Bizet and Shchedrin’s classic score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.

Johan Inger has choreographed for major companies around the world, including Nederlands Dans Theater and Spain’s National Dance Company. He won the Prix Benois de la Danse for Carmen, which English National Ballet brought to the UK for the first time in 2024.

Tickets for Carmen at Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury will go on general sale on Monday 30 March.

Tickets for performances at Sadler’s Wells, London will go on sale in Autumn 2026.

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3 reasons to see

Emotion at full intensity. A ballet where passion blazes and jealousy burns.
The iconic story - retold with a contemporary, modern edge.
Bizet's unforgettable music performed live and infused with additional tones and rhythms.

Reviews

A truly memorable interpretation

BroadwayWorld

A dark, industrial and imaginative version of the visceral love story…. An unforgettable experience

Everything Theatre

The whole company was on fire

The Times

Stark and sleek… The company dive into Inger’s style with assurance. Inger’s approach has a welcome edge.

The Independent

Bitingly defined performances from a tight ensemble

Evening Standard

The movement is an alluring mix of sharp, classical shapes and melting, fluent falls

The Observer

Meet the team

Johan Inger

Choreography

George Bizet

Music

Rodion Shchedrin

Music

Marc Álvarez

Additional Music

Álvaro Domínguez Vázquez

Orchestration

David Delfin

Costume Design

Tom Visser

Lighting Design

Curt Allen Wilmer and Leticia Ganan AAPEE with estudiodeDos

Set Design

Gregor Acuña-Pohl

Dramaturgy

More Access

Find out more about access at our touring venues.