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London
Thu 10 - Sat 19 Apr 2025
Sadler's Wells, London
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1 hour 20 minutes including one interval
A new work and two classics by William Forsythe

“Absolute joy”. “First time I’ve danced in my seat at the ballet!”. “I will carry the bounce in my step and smile on my face for a long time”. “The minute it ended I wanted it to start again”. In 2022, William Forsythe’s Playlist (EP) brought the house down.

Following an acclaimed run, the exhilarating piece is back to bring pure happiness into our lives! Combining ballet classicism and athleticism with the music of Barry White, Natalie Cole, Khalid and more, it will leave you “tipsy with delight” (Financial Times) and “cheering and breathless with joy” (The Observer). What’s not to like?

We will also perform Herman Schmerman (Quintet), a classic showcase of Forsythe’s signature style not seen in the UK for nearly 30 years. Created for five dancers, the most intricate steps appear to spring naturally out of the performers, who relish the challenge of surprising the audience, and each other, at every turn. The electronic music soundtrack is by Thom Willems, a long time collaborator of Forsythe’s.

Completing this special programme will be your chance to experience a new work from the master choreographer. Rearray (London Edition 2025) is Forsythe’s newest iteration of his 2011 work, originally created for the legendary ballerina Sylvie Guillem and also adapted for Paris Opera Ballet. Forsythe will now continue to evolve this piece for English National Ballet, showcasing the trio of dancers’ skilful response to the work’s ever-changing structure.

Become a Friend of English National Ballet to discounts on tickets, and more (T&Cs apply).

Main image dancer: Erik Woolhouse. Photo © Jason Bell. Creative Direction: Charlotte Wilkinson Studio.

CREATIVE TEAM

Herman Scherman (Quintet)

William Forsythe
Choreography, Stage Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design
Thom Willems
Music
Niels Lanz
Sound Design
Stefanie Arndt
Stager
Noah Gelber
Stager

Rearray (London Edition 2025)

William Forsythe
Choreography and Stage Design
Ayman Harper
Assistant to the Choreographer
Stefanie Arndt
Assistant to the Choreographer
David Morrow
Music
Tanja Rühl
Lighting Design
Dorothee Merg
Costume design
Niels Lanz
Sound Design

Playlist (EP)

William Forsythe
Choreography, Stage Design, Costume Design
Tanja Rühl
Lighting Design
Niels Lanz
Sound Design
Noah Gelber
Stager
Image of Renato Paroni de Castro
Renato Paroni de Castro
Stager
Image of Erina Takahashi
Erina Takahashi
Stager

Reviews

“Classical bravura matched with pop songs”

Music

Playlist (EP)

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)

Credits

Meet the principal cast

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