THE FORSYTHE EVENING

Sadler's Wells, London

Approx 1 hour 20 min including one interval

Dance ecstasy from legendary choreographer William Forsythe.

In 2018, choreographer William Forsythe and our dancers gave audiences a high when we premiered Playlist (Track 1, 2). Juxtaposing ballet classicism and athleticism with the beats of neo-soul and house music, it left the crowd whooping and wanting to join in.

In 2022, it returns – now expanded into Playlist (EP), with six music tracks ranging from Khalid and Barry White to Lion Babe, and up to 30 dancers on stage. This dance party just got bigger.

Completing this programme is Blake Works I, a soulful piece for 21 dancers set to seven songs from James Blake’s album The Colour in Anything. Solos, duets and intricate group formations reflect the poetic melodies and words of Blake’s music.

We are proud to honour this master choreographer in a special programme celebrating his enduring love and curiosity for ballet. Listen to the music tracks featuring in this electrifying bill, on Spotify here:

Friends of English National Ballet receive a 20% discount on tickets (T&Cs apply). Click here to support English National Ballet.

Main Image: Dancer: Erik Woolhouse. Photo © Jason Bell. Creative Direction: Charlotte Wilkinson Studio

Explore

MEET THE PRINCIPAL CAST

See casting for all dates

Please note that casting is subject to change

Blake Works I

Aitor Arrieta

Claire Barrett

Alice Bellini

Georgia Bould

Isabelle Brouwers

Ivana Bueno

Jeffrey Cirio

Julia Conway

Ashley Coupal

Henry Dowden

Noam Durand

Eireen Evrard

Giorgio Garrett

Emma Hawes

Isaac Hernández

Chloe Keneally

Miguel Angel Maidana

Ken Saruhashi

Emily Suzuki

Francesca Velicu

Angela Wood

Rhys Antoni Yeomans

Playlist (EP)

Precious Adams

Aitor Arrieta

Matthew Astley

Claire Barrett

Alice Bellini

Georgia Bould

Isabelle Brouwers

Ivana Bueno

Joseph Caley

Jeffrey Cirio

Fernando Carratalá Coloma

Ashley Coupal

Henry Dowden

Noam Durand

Eireen Evrard

Shunhei Fuchiyama

Giorgio Garrett

Emma Hawes

Shiori Kase

Chloe Keneally

Adriana Lizardi

Miguel Angel Maidana

Daniel McCormick

Jose Maria Lorca Menchon

Van Le Ngoc

Haruhi Otani

Ken Saruhashi

Eric Snyder

Lucinda Strachan

James Streeter

Archie Sullivan

Emily Suzuki

Francesca Velicu

Anna-Babette Winkler

Erik Woolhouse

Rhys Antoni Yeomans

CREATIVE TEAM

English National Ballet in William Forsythe's Playlist (Track 2) during the 70th Anniversary Gala © Bill Cooper.

Reviews

Join in #ENBForsythe

“A dazzling joyride”

The Times

“Classical bravura matched with pop songs that left a packed house on its feet, tipsy with delight”

Financial Times

“The perfect showcase for a company in fantastic form. It should not be missed”

Culture Whisper

“You won’t get a more feelgood night at the ballet than this”

The Guardian

“90 minutes to make your heart swell”

BroadwayWorld

“It certainly packs a punch and the audience leaves exhilarated”

The Jewish Chronicle

Discounts

Only one discount per ticket. Subject to availability. Sadler’s Wells’ terms and conditions apply.

Friends of English National Ballet
20% off tickets, max 6 per person. Become a Friend today to receive your discount code.

Children
Up to two children (under 16) can attend half price with every full paying adult at all matinee performances.
Please note children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium.

Groups
Adult groups of 10+: 10% off seats for most performances.
Adult groups of 20+: 20% off seats for most performances.

School/College groups
Groups of 10+: £10 seats, one teacher free per 10 student tickets purchased.
Available on 5 – 7 April performances.

Access
Discount available to members of Sadler’s Wells’ Access for All Scheme.
There is an Audio-Described performance and Touch Tour on Saturday 9 April 2022 2.30pm.

Credits

Blake Works I

Choreography, Stage Design
William Forsythe

Lighting Design
Tanja Rühl, William Forsythe

Costumes
Dorothee Merg, William Forsythe

Music
James Blake; songs from The Colour in Anything

Playlist (EP)

Choreography, Stage Design, Costumes
William Forsythe

Lighting
Tanja Rühl

Music
Peven Everett – Surely Shorty
Abra – Vegas
Lion Babe – Impossible (Jax Jones remix)
Khalid – Location
Barry White – Sha La La Means I love You
Natalie Cole – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)