Linbury Theatre New Season Preview

The Linbury Theatre's winter period offers five mouth-watering programmes, four of dance and one new opera. Here they are in chronological order:

TRIOConcertDance (Thu 17 – Sun 27 Jan 2019)

The luminous ballerina Alessandra Ferri renews her partnership with the American Ballet Theatre star Herman Cornejo in a programme of short pieces by choreographers Demis Volpi, Russell Maliphant, Wayne McGregor, Herman Cornejo, Fang-Yi Sheu and Angelin Preljocaj. They are joined by the acclaimed concert pianist Bruce Levingston.

New Work, New Music (Wed 6 – Sat 9 Feb 2019)

Mayara Magri in rehearsal for Blue Moon by Aletta Collins, (c) ROH 2018 photo Alice Pennefather

A collaboration between The Royal Ballet and the London Sinfonietta, this programme offers audiences an opportunity to hear a variety of contrasting music set to dance for the first time by choreographers including: ROH regular collaborator Aletta Collins; Goyo Montero; the Royal Ballet's own Kristen McNally and Calvin Richardson; and the immensely talented Alexander Whitley.

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The Monstrous Child, Gavin Higgins, The Royal Opera (Thu 21 Feb – Sun 3 Mar 2019)

A new work by the young and prolific composer Gavin Higgins, who's been described as 'boldly imaginative' and 'extraordinary.'

Composer Gavin Higgins

The Monstrous Child has its world premiere at the Linbury Theatre. Based on a novel for teens by 'Horrid Henry' creator Francesca Simon, it's been specially commissioned by The Royal Opera with a younger audience in mind. It's set in an extraordinary world of Norse gods, giants and the underworld. Age Guidance: 8+

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AWAKENING - National Dance Company Wales (Fri 8 – Sat 9 March 2019)

NDCWales, Awakening photo c/o NDCWales

The award-winning National Dance Company Wales brings its unique approach to contemporary dance to London with a triple bill of works by resident choreographer Caroline Finn (Reveller's Mass, pictured), Fernando Melo (Afterimage) and Marcos Morau (Tundra).

The company will also present Discover Dance, an interactive performance aimed at children. Details here.

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Dutch Masters – Introdans (Fri 15 – Sun 17 Mar 2019)

The Dutch company Introdans returns to the UK for the first time in more than a decade with a mixed bill of contemporary works by Nils Christie, CANTUS; Jirí Kylián, Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen; and the master himself, Hans van Manen, Polish Pieces and Andante.

All in all, an extremely attractive collection of works. The relatively small (406-seater) Linbury is bound to sell out quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.