Elizabeth, The Royal Ballet, Barbican Theatre

Elizabeth is a dance-drama drawn from diaries, poetry, plays and other writings from the Elizabethan period. Blending dance, music and the spoken word, it gives an impressionistic account of Elizabeth I's reign, her life and loves.

The piece was created on Zenaida Yanowsky, then still a Principal with the Royal Ballet, by choreographer Will Tuckett and playwright and librettist Alasdair Middleton in 2013. It was last performed at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury theatre before it was closed for refurbishment last year.

Zenaida Yakowsky has since retired from the Royal Ballet, but not from dancing, for which her multitudes of fans will be hugely grateful. She will bring her compelling Elizabeth to the Barbican in the Spring, and Will Tuckett told Culture Whisper he’s looking forward immensely to the work’s next outing:

‘The subject and period of Elizabeth I is so rich and layered that any chance to revisit and re-investigate that world with my wonderful team is a total treat.

‘Elizabeth was conceived around the extraordinary talents of Zenaida and to know that she and I will have time to further develop her role alongside the piece as a whole is incredibly exciting.’

Martin Yates’ score, written for cello and baritone in a modern re-imagining of a typical Tudor period ensemble, is performed live; and the visual elements of the performance are enhanced by sumptuous period costumes.

The roles of Elizabeth’s lovers will be performed by one dancer, whose name hasn’t been announced yet, and neither have those of the actors and singers who complete the cast.

As soon as they are, though, you’ll be the first to know - watch this space!

Age Guidance: 14+
Post-Show Talk: Thur 17 May (free to same day ticket holders)