Details

Richard Alston Dance Company archiveContemporary dance. Richard Alston, Artistic Director of The Place, the UK's leading centre for contemporary dance, is internationally recognised as one of the most influential and inspiring choreographers in British dance.

Archive listings for Richard Alston Dance Company

Work type: Dance or ballet.

Final Edition - T01619603229

The farewell programme exemplifies Richard Alston's commitment to new work and extraordinary music. Voices and Light Footsteps is set to music by Baroque composer Claudio Monteverdi. Shine On uses Benjamin Britten's On This Island. Completing the bill is Alston's Mazur set to Fr
7 Mar 20 to 8 Mar 20Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L01754319958
31 Jan 20 to 1 Feb 20Theatre Royal, Bath :: V854
listing details L1156081122

A Far Cry/Voices and Light Footsteps/Mazur/Red Run/Isthmus - T906179879

This outstanding company happily comes back to Malvern (our twenty second visit no less) and for the very first time we are dancing to Elgar! Martin Lawrance's A Far Cry is inspired by Elgar's impassioned masterpiece Introduction and Allegro. With this terrific programme we are celebrating 25 years before we sadly have to close. Alston's new work Voices and Light Footsteps is set to the glorious Madrigals of Monteverdi and Mazur is to Chopin played live by Jason Ridgway. Red Run returns to Malvern after twenty years and the intricate Isthmus completes the programme.
11 Feb 20 to 12 Feb 20Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L01405126786

Shine On, Shine Onn - T01801521314

This outstanding company are celebrating 25 years of wonderful creativity with a terrific programme. New in 2019 will be Alston's spring creation Newly Arrived, to the glorious music of Monteverdi, and a brand new choreography from Martin Lawrance.
22 Jan 20New Theatre, Oxford :: V802
listing details L0214252559

Final Edition - T480115438

Choreographer Sir Richard Alston is recognised internationally as one of the leading figures in dance over the last five decades. As it celebrates the tenth year of the Jerwood DanceHouse, DanceEast is delighted to present Richard Alston Dance Company's fifth visit to Snape Maltings as part of the company's final tour - a significant moment for dance in the UK. Snape Maltings and the music of Benjamin Britten have long been close to Alston's heart and for RADC's final appearance in Suffolk, the company gives the world premiere of Alston's new piece Shine On, danced to a live performance by soprano Katherine McIndoe and pianist Jason Ridgway of Britten's first published songs, the W.H. Auden settings On This Island. Ridgway also plays for Brahms Hungarian, danced to Brahms' hugely popular Hungarian Dances. This special programme for Snape also includes Voices and Light Footsteps, inspired by glorious Monteverdi madrigals and sinfonias, while the pulsating music of American composer Michael Gordon accompanies Martin Lawrance's thrillingly energetic Detour.
21 Nov 19 to 22 Nov 19Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry :: V156
listing details L1136823144
1 Nov 19 to 2 Nov 19Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Aldeburgh :: V75
listing details L330637249

T566201490

The evening centres around exciting World Premieres by Richard Alston and associate choreographer Martin Lawrance. Alston's Brahms Hungarian is set to the hugely popular Brahms pieces, featuring live solo pianist Jason Ridgway, where the dancers are carried along by fast steps and an abandoned fervour. Detour, Lawrance's new work is set to Michael Gordon's pulsing Timber with his customary fast paced style. Proverb, one of Alston's most telling choreographies is set to the vocals of Steve Reich.
19 Nov 19Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L024076745
8 Oct 19Theatre Royal, Brighton :: V657
listing details L0379036614
12 Mar 19 to 13 Mar 19Northcott Theatre, Exeter :: V886
listing details L0707414818
12 Feb 19 to 13 Feb 19Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L11666037

Quartermark - T1759025345

As Richard Alston Dance Company enters its 25th year, the acclaimed company makes the first of its final two visits to Sadler's Wells with a mixed programme featuring two new works and the revival of Proverb, one of Alston's most telling pieces, set to the vocals of Steve Reich. Alston's Brahms Hungarian uses the hugely popular Johannes Brahms music, as dancers are carried along by fast steps and an abandoned fervour, to live accompaniment from pianist Jason Ridgway. Detour, Martin Lawrance's new work, is set to Michael Gordon's pulsing Timber with the choreographer's customary quick-paced style.
1 Mar 19 to 2 Mar 19Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L312199455

T01696730676

Richard Alston has been making dance for 50 years. He will celebrate his half-century with a programme full of his trademark lyrical choreography performed by undoubtedly one of the world's finest dance ensembles. Featuring Grand Walkaround a sparkling new dance to the effervescent piano pieces of Creole composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk. Performed alongside a new piece by associate choreographer Martin Lawrance.
25 Jan 19 to 26 Jan 19Theatre Royal, Bath :: V854
listing details L453129742
3 Oct 18Churchill Theatre, Bromley :: V302
listing details L1057385175

T01795787156

Richard Alston Dance Company is an avidly followed UK dance company with some of the world's best contemporary dancers. It returns with a brand new Alston piece to Carnaval by Schumann played live by the fantastic pianist Jason Ridgway, a new piece by Martin Lawrance and Gypsy Mixture, a great Alston favourite. Gypsy Mixture has exhilarating dancing to the infectious music of Romanian and Macedonian gypsy bands that will lift your spirits and quicken your pulse.
22 Nov 18Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L01087165154
30 Oct 18New Victoria Theatre, Woking :: V709
listing details L1616987622
27 Feb 18Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L0575699465

Mid Century Modern - T0652463157

Richard Alston choreographed his first work in 1968. Now, 50 years later, he celebrates this landmark with Mid Century Modern, a piece which draws on the span of his work. Alston's newest piece is set to Schumann's work for piano, Carnaval, inspired by the composer's complicated personality. Carnaval is played live by pianist Jason Ridgway. With costumes by Alston's previous collaborator, BAFTA Award-winning designer Fotini Dimou.
23 Mar 18 to 24 Mar 18Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L345676594

Carnaval/Gypsy Mixture - T0768432910

Alston's newest dance Carnaval is performed to Schuman's Carnaval revolving around characters from the Commedia dell'arte, played live by the fantastic pianist Jason Ridgway. Gypsy Mixture, a great Alston favourite, has been newly revived for the first time in a decade.With exhilarating dancing to the infectious music of Romanian and Macedonian gypsy bands this dance will lift your spirits and quicken your pulse.
20 Feb 18New Theatre, Oxford :: V802
listing details L917924857
2 Feb 18 to 3 Feb 18Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L496638037

Tangent/Chacony/Gypsy Mixture - T0726251713

Richard Alston's newest creation comes to Sadler's Wells as part of a triple bill. Chacony is inspired by the richness and nobility of Henry Purcell's slow and weighty Baroque Chaconne, and Britten's tribute to it. This extraordinary music will be played by an onstage string quartet. Martin Lawrence's Tangent intertwines four couples as they attack the tango, accompanied by Piazzolla Estaciones Porte?os, played live by Jason Ridgway on piano. Richard Alston's hugely popular Gypsy Mixture, revived for the first time in a decade, brings with it a 21st century take on traditional Balkan folk music.Choreographer Richard Alston (Chacony). Choreographer Martin Lawrence (Tangent). Choreographer Richard Alston (Gypsy Mixture).
26 Jan 18 to 27 Jan 18Theatre Royal, Bath :: V854
listing details L01985759232
5 Oct 17 to 6 Oct 17Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L030018215
16 Jun 17 to 17 Jun 17Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L1747464448

T452657291

Richard Alston Dance Company is an avidly followed UK dance company with some of the world's most beautiful contemporary dancers. It returns in November with a full programme including a great Alston favourite; Gypsy Mixture, newly revived for the first time in a decade and with exhilarating dancing to the infectious music of Romanian and Macedonian gypsy bands that will lift your spirits and quicken your pulse.
1 Nov 17Churchill Theatre, Bromley :: V302
listing details L02065476878

Tangent/Isthmus Remix/Dutiful Ducks/Holderlin Fragments/An Italian in Madrid - T01302652033

22 Sep 17Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L01986068731
14 Mar 17 to 15 Mar 17Northcott Theatre, Exeter :: V886
listing details L0682916298

Tangent/Chacony/An Italian in Madrid - T1744068879

12 May 17 to 13 May 17Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L739936709
28 Feb 17 to 1 Mar 17Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L519657159
13 Feb 17 to 14 Feb 17The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L01680119167
10 Feb 17 to 11 Feb 17Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L590414126

Tangent/Chacony/Nomadic - T055393592

8 Mar 17G-Live, Guildford :: V0839845247
listing details L02115978941

Tangent/Isthmus Remix/Holderlin Fragments/Nomadic - T590034955

23 Feb 17Octagon Theatre, Yeovil :: V919
listing details L1984211249
20 Feb 17 to 21 Feb 17Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L1614977138

Stronghold/Chacony (Preview)/An Italian in Madrid - T0176333767

26 Jan 17 to 27 Jan 17Theatr Clwyd, Mold :: V810
listing details L721594898

Stronghold/Mazur/Brisk Singing - T248686079

Fresh from celebrating its 20th Anniversary, Richard Alston Dance Company leaps into its third decade with characteristic panache, and a programme of works bearing the Alston hallmarks of musicality and grace.Associate Choreographer Martin Lawrance, creator of Madcap and Burning, brings his latest work Stronghold. Made to an intense score by Julia Wolfe, Stronghold sees all ten dancers cutting through the space with gusto. Alston's newest work Mazur is a tribute to the music of Chopin, particularly his Mazurkas, in which he expressed his longing for his Polish homeland. Mazur received a 5 star review in the Financial Times on its premiere in London. Brisk Singing celebrates the music of Jean Phillippe Rameau, genius of the French baroque. Alston has revived this uplifting dance for 8 dancers, carried along by the warmth and lightness of spirit in Rameau's music.Choreographer Martin Lawrance (Stronghold). Choreographer Richard Alston (Mazur). Choreographer Richard Alston (Brisk Singing).
8 Nov 16The Orchard, Dartford :: V677
listing details L089454642
8 Mar 16 to 9 Mar 16Northcott Theatre, Exeter :: V886
listing details L01434563914
3 Mar 16The Atkinson, Southport :: V0485350863
listing details L0500401086

Britten Dances - T02009487916

Choreographer Richard Alston. Performer Mark Padmore (tenor). Performer Allison Cook (mezzo soprano). Performer Andrew West (piano). Company Britten Sinfonia. Director Pekka Kuusisto. Company Aldeburgh Voices.
21 Oct 16Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Aldeburgh :: V75
listing details L11025407

An Italian in Madrid/Tangent - T754013301

The ever-musical Richard Alston Dance Company returns with a programme including dances to piano pieces that originate from completely different worlds. Brand new, these works by Richard Alston and Martin Lawrance are accompanied live onstage by the extraordinary pianist Jason Ridgway. Alston's lates work is inspired by the sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti, a composer hugely influenced by Spanish music.: An Italian in Madrid continues Alston's fascination with the fusion of different cultures and styles and to explore this. Alston has invited BBC Young Dancer grand finalist Vidya Patel to join his company for this exciting new work. Lawrence evokes the tightly controlled but volatile energy of modern tango in his brand new piece Tangent with music by the father of Tango Nueva Astor Piazzolla.Choreographer Richard Alston. Choreographer Martin Lawrance.
4 Oct 16 to 5 Oct 16Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L50315972

An Italian in Madrid/Burning/Nomadic - T0662888874

Fresh from celebrating its 20th Anniversary, Richard Alston Dance Company jumps into its third decade with characteristic panache, and a programme of works bearing the Alston hallmarks of musicality and grace. Alston has created a new work to the sonatas of Scarlatti, a composer hugely influenced by Spanish music. An Italian in Madrid continues Alston's fascination with the fusion of different cultures and styles. Associate Choreographer Martin Lawrance's extraordinary Burning is a smouldering dance as passionate and turbulent as its music, the Dante Sonata of Franz Liszt, played live onstage. Dancers Nancy Nerantzi and Liam Riddick have been nominated for the 2015 National Dance Awards for their performances in Burning, don't miss your change to see them set the stage alight.
4 May 16 to 5 May 16Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne :: V568
listing details L0754574903
26 Apr 16Brewhouse Theatre and Arts Centre, Taunton :: V918
listing details L01457787953

An Italian in Madrid/Mazur/Stronghold/Brisk Singing - T0800490066

This quadruple bill includes Richard Alston's world premiere, An Italian in Madrid, set to Scarlatti's sonatas. The influence of flamenco on Scarlatti continues Alston's fascination with the fusion of different cultures and styles and to explore this, Alston has invited BBC Young Dancer grand finalist Vidya Patel to join his company for this exciting new dance. National Dance Award-winners Jonathan Goddard and Liam Riddick reunite to the lilting Mazurkas of Chopin in Mazur - both Scarlatti and Chopin are played live by pianist Jason Ridgway. Martin Lawrance's brand-new Stronghold features an intense score by Julia Wolfe. Finally, Brisk Singing is one of Alston's most joyous creations.Choreographer Richard Alston (An Italian in Madrid). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (Stronghold). Choreographer Richard Alston (Brisk Singing).
29 Mar 16 to 30 Mar 16Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L01674238591

Gambit/Mazur/Brisk Singing - T1109458520

Associate Choreographer Martin Lawrance has made Gambit, to an explosive percussive score by Julia Wolfe. Gambit sees all ten dancers cutting through the space with intense gusto. Alston's newest work Mazur is danced to Chopin's Mazurkas, music through which the composer expressed his longing for his lost homeland. Brisk Singing celebrates the music of Jean Phillippe Rameau, genius of the French baroque. Alston has revived this uplifting dance for 8 dancers, carried along by the warmth and lightness of spirit in Rameau's music.
4 Feb 16 to 5 Feb 16Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L1846667777
10 Nov 15Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury :: V0465778148
listing details L0176018157
5 Nov 15Octagon Theatre, Yeovil :: V919
listing details L2112277133
3 Nov 15Hall for Cornwall, Truro :: V1183
listing details L1426620126

Brisk Singing/Burning/Nomadic - T0931326957

Programme may vary. Brisk Singing celebrates the music of Jean Phillippe Rameau, genius of the French baroque. Alston has revived this uplifting dance for 8 dancers, carried along by the warmth and lightness of spirit in Rameau's music. Martin Lawrance's extraordinary Burning premiered in September 2014 to standing ovations and five star reviews. A smouldering dance as passionate and turbulent as its music, the Dante Sonata of Franz Liszt. Richard Alston's brand new piece, Nomadic, mixes Asian-influenced traditional Romany singing with the toughness of an urban beat. To explore the interaction between gypsy music and urban sound, Alston has collaborated with the young choreographer Ajani Johnson-Goffe in a career first.
19 Nov 15Richmond Theatre, Outer London :: V327
listing details L54947695
24 Oct 15Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L1725748528
6 Oct 15New Victoria Theatre, Woking :: V709
listing details L36249640

Gambit/Mazur/Nomadic - T01943501230

Associate Choreographer Martin Lawrance has made Gambit, to an explosive percussive score by Julia Wolfe. Gambit sees all ten dancers cutting through the space with intense gusto. Alston's newest work Mazur is danced to Chopin's Mazurkas, music through which the composer expressed his longing for his lost homeland. Nomadic mixes Asian-influenced, traditional Romani singing with the toughness of an urban beat. Alston has collaborated with choreographer Ajani Johnson-Goffe to explore the interaction between gypsy music and urban sound.
20 Oct 15 to 21 Oct 15Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L686804893
15 Oct 15Theatre Royal, Brighton :: V657
listing details L2129207910

Alston At Home - T172793539

Richard Alston Dance Company is at The Place again for its At Home season, this time with an exciting programme of new work, which involves young emerging choreographers. To celebrate the Company's 20 Year Anniversary in this forward thinking way only emphasises the ongoing lively spirit that continues to define RADC.
10 Jun 15 to 13 Jun 15The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L066075382

Rejoice in the Lamb/Holderlin Fragments/Burning/Illuminations - T01876857349

Proudly celebrating its twentieth year, Richard Alston Dance Company returns to the Playhouse with a programme showcasing Alston's superbly skilled choreography and music bursting with literary connections. Rejoice in the Lamb is danced to Britten's superb setting of Christopher Smart poetry, fuelled by both religious fervour and playful eccentricity. Proudly celebrating its twentieth year, Richard Alston Dance Company returns to the Playhouse with a programme showcasing Alston's superbly skilled choreography and music bursting with literary connections. Rejoice in the Lamb is danced to Britten's superb setting of Christopher Smart poetry, fuelled by both religious fervour and playful eccentricity. Set to Britten's masterpiece, Illuminations paints a vivid picture of the wild young genius Arthur Rimbaud. Britten and Alston combine to depict images from the turbulent life of the young poet, visionary and misfit in equal part.
26 May 15 to 27 May 15Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L802409506

Nomadic/Burning/Illuminations - T01692461859

Proudly celebrating its twentieth year, Richard Alston Dance Company returns to the Lighthouse with a knock-out new programme showcasing Alston's superbly skilled choreography. Richard Alston's brand new piece, Nomadic, connects Romanian gypsy music and electronic sound, exploring deeper the world of his hugely popular Gypsy Mixture. Burning, Martin Lawrance's latest piece, is inspired by the Dante Sonata of Franz Liszt, played live onstage. It's an intensely dramatic dance, immediately greeted with rapture by critics and audiences alike. 'So what does it take to have the audience cheering full-throated approval? The Richard Alston Dance Company, that's what' The Herald (premiere of Burning, Edinburgh) Set to Britten's masterpiece, Illuminations paints a vivid picture of the wild young genius Arthur Rimbaud. Britten and Alston combine to depict images from the turbulent life of the young poet, visionary and misfit in equal part.
15 May 15 to 16 May 15Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L0733682263
8 May 15 to 9 May 15Theatr Clwyd, Mold :: V810
listing details L1371410865
11 Mar 15Lighthouse (previously known as Poole Arts Centre), Poole :: V910
listing details L1234234828

Nomadic/Burning/Overdrive - T0298311232

Proudly celebrating its twentieth year, Richard Alston Dance Company returns to Malvern with a knock-out new programme showcasing Alston's superbly skilled choreography. Richard Alston's brand new piece, Nomadic, connects Romanian gypsy music and electronic sound, exploring deeper the world of his hugely popular Gypsy Mixture. Burning, Martin Lawrance's latest piece, is inspired by the Dante Sonata of Franz Liszt, played live onstage. It's an intensely dramatic dance, immediately greeted with rapture by critics and audiences alike. 'So what does it take to have the audience cheering full-throated approval? The Richard Alston Dance Company, that's what' The Herald (premiere of Burning, Edinburgh). In his classic Overdrive, Alston takes up the pulsating rhythm of modern Californian composer Terry Riley's music and runs with it to the wire.
12 May 15Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L1646457671
24 Mar 15 to 25 Mar 15Northcott Theatre, Exeter :: V886
listing details L01145270542
19 Mar 15 to 20 Mar 15Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L0380165839
5 Mar 15The Atkinson, Southport :: V0485350863
listing details L0582689298
24 Feb 15 to 25 Feb 15Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L15410971

Rejoice in the Lamb - T1863059818

For his first visit to Buxton, Richard Alston's superbly skilled dancers perform in two exhilarating pieces. Rejoice in the Lamb, set to Benjamin Britten's wonderful cantata, was described by the New York Times as showing Alston's ?impeccable craftsmanship'. Also in this programme, the latest dance by Martin Lawrance, inspired by Liszt's Petrarch Sonnets, played live onstage by Jason Ridgway.
3 Feb 15Buxton Opera House, Buxton :: V424
listing details L1958056365

Rejoice in the Lamb/Burning/Nomadic/Madcap - T1579348402

Richard Alston Dance Company launches its 20th anniversary celebrations with a programme unique to Sadler's Wells. Making its London debut, Alston's Rejoice in the Lamb is Benjamin Britten's joyous setting of the brilliant and fervent words of poet Christopher Smart. Next on the bill is Martin Lawrance's latest piece, Burning, as passionate and turbulent as its music, the Dante Sonata of Franz Liszt. In the world premiere of Sadler's Wells commission Nomadic, Alston revisits the musical genre of his hugely popular Gypsy Mixture - with darker and sharper music from Ursari Gypsy band Shukar Collective. To explore the interaction between gypsy music and urban sound, Alston is collaborating with the young dancer and choreographer Ajani Johnson-Goffe. Finally the iconic band Icebreaker play Julia Wolfe's percussive score for Lawrance's dynamic and exhilarating Madcap. Running time: 2hrs (including two 20min intervals)
26 Jan 15 to 27 Jan 15Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L1621774357

Rejoice in the Lamb/Holderlin Fragments/New Work/Overdrive - T1957511115

Edinburgh gets its very own world premiere from the Richard Alston Dance Company this September. This brand new work is choreographed by Martin Lawrance ('what a force to be reckoned with he truly is' Scotsman) and is inspired by the passionate piano music of Franz Liszt. Also in this diverse programme, Alston's latest piece Rejoice in the Lamb is danced to Britten's superb setting of Christopher Smart poetry - full of religious fervour and eccentric details such as Smart's cat Jeoffry! 'Alston's choreographic response was a joyous and fitting tribute to the great composer, and sent the audience out into the dismal British weather, undeterred and smiling.' Dance Europe Alston also made Holderlin Fragments to celebrate last year's centenary of Britten, it's danced to Britten's calm setting of Friedrich H?lderlin's enigmatic lyrics. 'Its ingenuity and detail are as good as anything seen in the past decade.'The Stage In Overdrive, Alston takes up the pulsating rhythm of Terry Riley's music and runs with it to the wire. A close-meshed grid of sound sets a dance moving - shifting, changing direction, curving over and under but never pausing for breath.Choreographer Martin Lawrance. Lighting Charles Balfour. Costume Jeanne Spaziani. Performer Ihsaan de Banya. Performer Nicholas Bodych. Performer Elly Braund. Performer Oihana Vesga Bujan. Performer Jennifer Hayes. Performer James Muller. Performer Nancy Nerantzi. Performer Liam Riddick.
11 Nov 14Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L01086900737
14 Oct 14 to 15 Oct 14Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L1378446990
26 Sep 14Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L01371318478

Rejoice in the Lamb/Unfinished Business (duet)/New Work/Overdrive - T0799469116

Commissioned to celebrate last year's centenary of Britten, Alston's latest piece Rejoice in the Lamb is danced to Britten's superb setting of Christopher Smart poetry - full of religious fervour and eccentric details such as Smart's cat Jeoffry! 'Alston's choreographic response was a joyous and fitting tribute to the great composer, and sent the audience out into the dismal British weather, undeterred and smiling.' Dance Europe. The programme features the 'astonishingly sustained' (New York Times) duet from Unfinished Business, to the adagio of Mozart's Sonata K533. A brand new piece by Martin Lawrance is inspired by the romantic composer Franz Liszt, without doubt a real contrast to last year's Madcap. 'Lawrance... what a force to be reckoned with he truly is' Scotsman. In Overdrive, Alston takes up the pulsating rhythm of Terry Riley's music and runs with it to the wire. A close-meshed grid of sound sets a dance moving - shifting, changing direction, curving over and under but never pausing for breath.
22 Oct 14Octagon Theatre, Yeovil :: V919
listing details L0108053073

Rejoice in the Lamb/Holderlin Fragments/New Work/Illuminations - T0821405889

Commissioned to celebrate last year's centenary of Britten, Alston's latest piece Rejoice in the Lamb is danced to Britten's superb setting of Christopher Smart poetry - full of religious fervour and eccentric details such as Smart's cat Jeoffry! 'Alston's choreographic response was a joyous and fitting tribute to the great composer, and sent the audience out into the dismal British weather, undeterred and smiling.' Dance Europe Alston also made H?lderlin Fragments to celebrate last year's centenary of Britten, it's danced to Britten's calm setting of Friedrich Holderlin's enigmatic lyrics. 'Its ingenuity and detail are as good as anything seen in the past decade.' The Stage A brand new piece by Martin Lawrance is inspired by the romantic composer Franz Liszt, without doubt a real contrast to last year's Madcap. 'Lawrance... what a force to be reckoned with he truly is' Scotsman. Also revived for the centenary of Benjamin Britten, Illuminations paints a vivid picture of the wild young genius Arthur Rimbaud. Britten and Alston combine to depict images from the turbulent life of the young poet, visionary and misfit in equal part.
7 Oct 14 to 8 Oct 14Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury :: V0465778148
listing details L1753401590

T1201858138

The programme features Alston?'s latest work Rejoice In The Lamb, danced to Benjamin Britten?'s superb setting of Christopher Smart poetry. The words are full of wild and witty details and the music was commissioned in 1943 for the Church of St Matthew?'s Northampton so fittingly, Rejoice In The Lamb is coming home.
30 Sep 14 to 1 Oct 14Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L01360959395

Rejoice in the Lamb/Unfinished Business/Lachrymae/Madcap - T01595825769

For Richard Alston "every dance is a love affair with his chosen music" (The Times). This programme matches the beauty of Mozart with the exhilaration of Benjamin Britten and the lightning energy of Bang on a Can All-Stars. Commissioned to celebrate the centenary of Britten, the brand new Rejoice in the Lamb is danced to Britten's superb setting of Christopher Smart, whose poetry is fuelled by both religious fervour and such eccentric details as the poet's cat Jeffrey! The programme also features the 'astonishingly sustained' (New York Times) duet from Unfinished Business, to the adagio of Mozart's Sonata K533. Lachrymae, set to Britten's compassionate and tender music for viola and piano played live, spins emotional variations on a gentle song by John Dowland - quietly but deeply moving - 'A thing of truth and beauty' The Independent on Sunday. To end the evening, Martin Lawrance's Madcap is fast-paced, thrilling and set to the driven music of ultra-cool New York band, Bang on a Can All-Stars. Madcap was rapturously received by audiences and critics alike last season.
7 May 14Churchill Theatre, Bromley :: V302
listing details L538983568
8 Apr 14Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent :: V124
listing details L0626884049
21 Feb 14 to 22 Feb 14Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L812534702

Shimmer/Illuminations/Madcap - T735425852

Shimmer is danced to the sun-drenched music of Ravel played live. Julien Macdonald's fabulous, jewel-encrusted cobweb costumes illuminate dazzling streaks of limpid choreography in a ravishingly beautiful piece of theatre. Revived for last year's centenary of Benjamin Britten, Illuminations paints a vivid picture of the wild young genius Arthur Rimbaud. Britten and Alston combine to depict images from the turbulent life of the young poet, visionary and misfit in equal part. To end the evening, Martin Lawrance's Madcap is fast paced, thrilling and set to the driven music of ultra-cool New York band, Bang on a Can All-Stars. Madcap was rapturously received by audiences and critics alike last season.
29 Apr 14Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L0221687289

Brink/Madcap/Holderlin Fragments/Lachrymae/Illuminations - T0454707662

Martin Lawrance's smouldering tango-based Brink opens the programme. Lawrance made Madcap for RADC in 2012, which was rapturously received by audiences and critics alike. Richard Alston made Holderlin Fragments to celebrate last year's centenary of Britten, its danced to Britten's calm setting of Friedrich Holderlin enigmatic lyrics. Also set to Britten, the quietly but deeply moving Lachrymae. The compassionate and tender music for viola and piano, played live onstage, spins emotional variations on a gentle song by John Dowland. Lastly, Illuminations, where Britten's masterpiece paints a vivid picture of the wild young genius Arthur Rimbaud. Britten and Alston combine music and dance to depict the turbulent life of the young poet, visionary and misfit in equal part.
11 Mar 14 to 12 Mar 14Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L2055352269

Illuminations - T0973251585

The music is Britten's masterpiece of the same name and both music and dance paint a vivid picture of the wild young genius Arthur Rimbaud, whose absinthe and drug-fuelled youth erupted in a brutally intense love affair with the older poet Paul Verlaine. Illuminations depicts images from the turbulent life of the young poet, a genius and a misfit in equal part. He saw himself as a visionary who needed to be outside the normality of respectable society. "I alone", he cried, "hold the key to this wild parade.
15 Nov 13Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L642488502
8 Oct 13 to 9 Oct 13Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L92690721

Phaedra/Lachrymae/Sechs Holderlin Fragmente/Les Illuminations - T0135923649

Part of Barbican Britten, a celebration of Britten's centenary Phaedra and Holderlin Fragments co-commissioned by the BarbicanCompany Britten Sinfonia. Company Barbican Associate Ensemble. Choreographer Richard Alston. Performer Pekka Kuusisto (violin / viola / director). Performer Allison Cook (mezzo soprano). Performer Robin Tritschler (tenor). Performer Huw Watkins (piano).
6 Nov 13 to 9 Nov 13Barbican Centre, West End :: V371
listing details L1460309494

Performing Merce Cunningham repertoire - T2145267764

29 May 13Barbican Centre, West End :: V371
listing details L1292946399

Unfinished Business/Lachrymae/Roughcut - T0317389904

Richard Alston's UNFINISHED BUSINESS is danced to the beautiful, lucid and flowing music of Mozart, played live - the two movements of an unfinished piano sonata, Opus K533. To these, Alston has added an extraordinary arrangement of Mozart's brilliant Gigue in D by the Italian virtuoso Federico Busoni, creating a third movement and bringing things to a rousing close. LACHRYMAE, set to the compassionate and tender music of Benjamin Britten for viola and piano, played live, spins emotional variations on a gentle song by John Dowland - quietly but deeply moving. Richard Alston's iconic ROUGHCUT is danced to the peals of Steve Reich's shimmeringly beautiful New York and Electric Counterpoints, for clarinet and guitar. A euphoric display of pure energy, ROUGHCUT, first performed in 1990, has rarely been revived. If you could take only one piece of dance to a desert island, this would be it.
23 May 13The Atkinson, Southport :: V0485350863
listing details L01275775285

Unfinished Business/Lachrymae/The Devil in the Detail - T899113108

13 May 13 to 14 May 13Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L025273921

The Devil in the Detail/Lachrymae/Madcap - T01855090327

8 May 13 to 9 May 13Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury :: V0465778148
listing details L207347720

Unfinished Business/Buzzing Round the Hunnisucle/Rumours, Visions - T01879887097

Unfinished Business is danced to Mozart's beautiful and flowing unfinished piano sonata Opus K533, and Gigue in D, accompanied by a live pianist. In Buzzing Round the Hunnisucle, Alston combines two contrasting pieces of music by Kondo in a dance of nimble and breathtaking precision. The bill is completed by a revival of Rumours, Visions, Alston's interpretation of Britten's song cycle, Les Illuminations, set to the poems of radical Arthur Rimbaud, in Britten's centenary year.
30 Apr 13 to 1 May 13Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L0412026658

Madcap/Shimmer/The Devil In The Detail - T2063991881

Following his most recent work, commissioned by Scottish Ballet to mark the Olympics, Martin Lawrance has created Madcap, a startlingly original new choreography with the music of New York band, Bang On A Can All-Stars. Shimmer is danced to the sun-drenched, live music of Ravel. Fashion designer Julian Macdonald's fabulous, jewel-encrusted cobweb costumes illuminate dazzling streaks of limpid choreography in a ravishingly beautiful piece of theatre. Richard Alston has revived his effervescent The Devil In The Detail, inspired by the music of ?King of Ragtime' Scott Joplin. Irresistible classics such as Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer are blended with the lightness and finesse of Alston's choreography.
23 Apr 13 to 24 Apr 13Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L0572369224
16 Oct 12 to 17 Oct 12Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L97372776

Buzzing Around the Hunnisuccle/Shimmer/The Devil in the Detail - T1835408306

11 Apr 13The Spa Theatre, Bridlington :: V932
listing details L0727481142
6 Mar 13 to 7 Mar 13Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L28715748

The Devil in the Detail/Bussing/Around the Hunnisuccle/Madcap - T0435511135

This brand new commission from the San Francisco based Columbia Foundation continues Alston's long-held fascination with the music of Japanese composerJo Kondo. Buzzing Round the Hunnisuccle contrasts three short Kondo compositions. The rapid light rhythms of Isthmus (which was choreographed in 2012), the brisk and asymmetric An Elder's Hocket, and the calm-hushed chords of Hunnisuccle have inspired Alston to create movement of nimble and breathtaking precision. The evening also contains the newly revived and substantially revised The Devil in the Detail, a joyous and effervescent dance to Scott Joplin's rags. Also in the programme is Madcap, Martin Lawrance's highly acclaimed choreography to the explosive music of Julia Wolfe, a dark and highly physical tour-de-force.
5 Apr 13Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury :: V1452754579
listing details L731669193
21 Mar 13New Victoria Theatre, Woking :: V709
listing details L01519311072
12 Mar 13 to 13 Mar 13Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L0853048349
26 Feb 13 to 27 Feb 13Northcott Theatre, Exeter :: V886
listing details L0363955386
20 Feb 13 to 21 Feb 13Octagon Theatre, Yeovil :: V919
listing details L01875888808
14 Feb 13Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea :: V833
listing details L108293530
9 Feb 13New Wimbledon Theatre, Outer London :: V341
listing details L01165164020

Shimmer/Madcap/Roughcut - T341251132

26 Mar 13Sherman Theatre, Cardiff :: V824
listing details L01976398585

The Devil in the Detail/Shimmer/Madcap - T01664514703

19 Mar 13The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L01167658704

Madcap/Unfinished Business/The Devil in the Detail - T729722062

Following his recent commission by Scottish Ballet to mark the Olympics, Martin Lawrance has now created Madcap a startlingly original new choreography with the music of New York band, Bang on a Can All-Stars. Richard Alston's Unfinished Business is danced to the beautiful, lucid and flowing music of Mozart - the two movements of an unfinished piano sonata, Opus K533, played live. Richard Alston has revived his effervescent The Devil in the Detail, inspired by the music of 'King of Ragtime' Scott Joplin. Irresistible classics such as Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer are blended with the lightness and finesse of Alston's choreography.
6 Nov 12Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham :: V90
listing details L2003340704

Shimmer/Lie of the Land/Roughcut - T0198774175

Shimmer - is danced to the sun-drenched music of Ravel played live. Julien Macdonald's fabulous, jewel-encrusted cobweb costumes illuminate dazzling streaks of limpid choreography in a ravishingly beautiful piece of theatre. Lie of the Land - In Lie Of The Land, the sharp sweetness of Ned Rorem's writing for string quartet has taken Martin Lawrance into new territory. Lyrical yet urgent dancing charts the lie of the land in ever restless and searching mood changes. Richard Alston's iconic Roughcut is danced to Steve Reich's shimmeringly beautiful New York and Electric Counterpoints, played live by clarinettist Roger Heaton and guitarist James Woodrow. A euphoric display of pure energy, Roughcut, first performed in 1990, has rarely been revived. If you could take only one piece of dance to a desert island, this would be a contender.
1 Nov 12Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L2031939416
17 Apr 12 to 18 Apr 12Theatr Clwyd, Mold :: V810
listing details L01835165728

Isthmus/Madcap/Shimmer - T103342788

For Richard Alston Dance Company's return home this year, the company has prepared an exciting programme containing two brand new pieces, Isthmus and Madcap. Alston is fascinated by the music of Jo Kondo, which moves with rapid light rhythms, both sharp and delicate. Alston's Isthmus is a dance of nimble and breathtaking precision. Following his most recent commission by Scottish Ballet to mark the Olympics, Martin Lawrance has now created Madcap a startlingly original new choreography with the music of New York collective, Bang on a Can All-Stars. Shimmer is danced to the sun-drenched music of Ravel played live. Fashion designer Julien Macdonald's fabulous, jewel-encrusted cobweb costumes illuminate dazzling streaks of limpid choreography.
3 Oct 12 to 6 Oct 12The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L0970329425

Unfinished Business/Roughcut - T1394392330

Movement and music are fused into a unique and profound synthesis in the work of Richard Alston Dance Company. For the company's eagerly awaited return, Richard Alston has chosen a diverse collection of composers. The evening includes Unfinished Business, danced to the beautiful, lucid and flowing music of Mozart's unfinished piano sonata, Opus K533, and Alston's iconic work Roughcut, choreographed to Steve Reich's shimmeringly beautiful New York and Electric Counterpoints
15 May 12 to 16 May 12Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L1252784077

Unfinished Business/A Ceremony of Carols/Shuffle It Right - T768614857

Richard Alston's brand new Unfinished Business is danced to the beautiful, lucid and flowing music of Mozart - the two movements of an unfinished piano sonata, Opus K533. To these, Alston has added an extraordinary arrangement of Mozart's brilliant Gigue in D by the Italian virtuoso Federico Busoni, creating a third movement which, accompanied by a live pianist, brings the work to a rousing close. A Ceremony of Carols is another new work from Alston, choreographed to Benjamin Britten's masterpiece for boys' voices and harp. The music is of magisterial simplicity, conjuring up a rich world of rapt and devout adoration; the dance is a celebration of a sheer surge of breath, a pure stream of sound. Shuffle It Right features private recordings made by the American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael, who himself sings, whistles and plays piano on them. The songs Alston has chosen - including Riverboat Shuffle, Ol' Man Harlem and, of course, Star Dust - scurry along with wry little licks and punched out syncopated rhythms.
28 Mar 12 to 29 Mar 12Northcott Theatre, Exeter :: V886
listing details L01957409304

Unfinished Business/A Ceremony of Carols/Roughcut - T1559781578

Richard Alston's brand new UNFINISHED BUSINESS is danced to the beautiful, lucid and flowing music of Mozart - the two movements of an unfinished piano sonata, Opus K533. To these, Alston has added an extraordinary arrangement of Mozart's brilliant Gigue in D by the Italian virtuoso Federico Busoni, creating a third movement and bringing things to a rousing close. Commissioned by The Marlowe Theatre, Sadler's Wells and Peak Performances @ Montclair State (NJ), A CEREMONY OF CAROLS is another new work from Alston, choreographed to Benjamin Britten's masterpiece for boys' voices and harp. The music is of magisterial simplicity, conjuring up a rich world of rapt and devout adoration; the dance is a celebration of a sheer surge of breath, a pure stream of sound. The evening's triple bill is completed by a revival of Richard Alston's iconic ROUGHCUT, made in 1990 and probably his best-loved signature piece. It is danced to the peals of Steve Reich's shimmeringly beautiful New York and Electric Counterpoints for clarinet and guitar. This is a rare chance to see one of the defining classics of British dance. "Sends you home cloud-high" Sunday Times. Roughcut was made to celebrate the exuberance of the dancers with whom Alston was working at the time - it's a euphoric display of pure energy. RADC's 2011 company of dancers has the same sort of energy, encouraging Alston to revive the piece for the first time in ten years.
13 Mar 12 to 14 Mar 12Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L1504330381

Roughcut/A Ceremonyof Carols/Lie of the Land - T02099965004

Richard Alston's iconic Roughcut is danced to Steve Reich's shimmeringly beautiful New York and Electric Counterpoints, played live by clarinettist Roger Heaton and guitarist James Woodrow. A euphoric display of energy, Roughcut was first performed in 1990 and has rarely been revived since. Alston's latest choreography, A Ceremony of Carols, is a Sadler's Wells co-commission. Danced to Benjamin Britten's masterpiece for boys choir, it is sung and played live by Canterbury Cathedral's choir, conducted by David Flood and accompanied by harpist Camilla Pay.Music Steve Reich. Performer Roger Heaton (clarinet). Performer James Woodrow (guitar). Music Benjamin Britten. Conductor David Flood. Performer Camilla Pay (harp).
29 Feb 12 to 1 Mar 12Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L02075595425

A Ceremony of Carols - T01301351709

Receiving its world premiere in Canterbury, Richard Alston's A Ceremony of Carols is choreographed to Benjamin Britten's masterpiece for boys' voices and harp. The music will be sung live by Canterbury Cathedral's choir, conducted by David Flood, with harpist Camilla Pay. The dance is a celebration of a sheer surge of breath, a pure stream of sound. The music is of magisterial simplicity, conjuring up a rich world of rapt and devout adoration. The power and the mystery of the old Christmas story are all-pervading in rituals of tender interchange and euphoric rushes of speed.Music Benjamin Britten. Choreographer Richard Alston. Conductor David Flood. Performer Anneli Binder. Performer Elly Braund. Performer Christopher Brown. Performer Charlotte Eatock. Performer Nathan Goodman. Performer Hannah Kidd. Performer Andres de Blust Mommaerts. Performer Nancy Nerantzi. Performer James Pett. Performer Liam Riddick. Performer Pierre Tappon.
14 Feb 12 to 15 Feb 12Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L1891692779
8 Feb 12 to 9 Feb 12Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L0785441366

Roughcut - T1522115717

Richard Alston Dance Company s triple bill features a revival of Richard Alston s iconic Roughcut, made in 1990 and probably his best-loved signature piece. Despite this, Roughcut hasn t been performed for over a decade. This is a rare chance to see one of the defining classics of the British dance canon - and one of its most enjoyable. Roughcut was made to celebrate the exuberance of the group of dancers with whom Alston was working at the time - it s a euphoric display of pure energy. RADC s 2011 company of dancers has the same sort of energy, and so Alston has taken the opportunity to revive the piece. It is danced to the peals of Steve Reich s shimmeringly beautiful New York and Electric Counterpoints for clarinet and guitar.
22 Nov 11Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L1061972447
15 Nov 11Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham :: V90
listing details L153810502
4 Oct 11 to 5 Oct 11Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L550563092

Richard Alston at Home - T1310329004

Alongside other events in the Focus on Alston festival strand, Dance Umbrella presents Richard Alston Dance Company at its home theatre with a programme of early works and new creations showing off his company’s versatility. This quadruple bill includes a new piece from Alston for the full Company, set to Mozart’s Piano Sonata No.15 played live and Early Days, a collage of extracts from early Alston pieces including Wildlife (1983), Rainbow Ripples (1980), Still Moving Still (1969) and Something To Do (1969). The programme is completed by a rare revival of Robert Cohan’s sextet, In Memory, made for London Contemporary Dance Theatre in 1989, and a new work by Martin Lawrance.
19 Oct 11 to 22 Oct 11The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L0889910985

T01452302842

To celebrate their first exhibition dedicated entirely to sculpture The Shape of Things to Come: New Sculpture, the Saatchi Gallery has invited The Place to realise a one-off special event of contemporary dance to be performed in the various spaces of the gallery by Richard Alston Dance Company. Richard Alston will be creating dance especially for this event in response to the magnificent spaces of the Duke of York HQ building. Sculpture inspires a physical response in the viewer, and so does dance. The Place and the Saatchi Gallery have teamed up to explore further the possibilities of interaction between the two. The event is conceived as a loose promenade show, in which the audience is invited to discover dance episodes scattered throughout the exhibition. Figurative and abstract sculptural forms on both a monumental and miniature scale will create a dramatic backdrop against which the dancers will engage with the space in new ways.
7 Sep 11The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L0698968519

Out of the Strong/Roughcut/Lie of the Land - T976646861

Richard Alston is quite simply the world’s most musical choreographer. This season, his company dance to the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev, minimalist icon Steve Reich, and the emergent American composer Ned Rorem. Out Of The Strong is driven by the sharp contrasts of Prokofiev’s brilliant sixth Piano Sonata, played live onstage by Jason Ridgway. Roughcut is danced to Reich’s shimmeringly beautiful New Counterpoint/ Electric Counterpoint for clarinet and guitar. Lie Of The Land is choreographed by Leicester-born Martin Lawrance.
7 Jun 11New Victoria Theatre, Woking :: V709
listing details L219367072
5 Apr 11 to 6 Apr 11Curve, Leicester :: V830272338
listing details L01620514436

Roughcut/Out of the Strong/Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms - T1883361898

Alston’s contemporary classic Roughcut is danced to the cascading peals of Steve Reich’s shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoints for clarinet and guitar. Out of the Strong is driven by the dramatic contrasts of Prokofiev’s sixth Piano Sonata, in which terse anger melts into sweet lyricism. Both music and dance deal with the complexity of Prokofiev’s character, which was warm and irascible by turn. Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms has a sense of intimate small space, marked out by light spilling through windows. Very much inspired by the paintings of Vermeer, the dance is accompanied by the quiet sensuality of baroque lute music.
1 Jun 11 to 2 Jun 11Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L0987018103
15 Mar 11 to 16 Mar 11Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L0582934867
22 Feb 11Churchill Theatre, Bromley :: V302
listing details L01797489635

Roughcut: Shuffle it Right/Out of the Strong - T2046337295

The company presents three pieces danced to a diverse selection of musical scores in a programme to excite and inspire dance fans new and old.
26 May 11Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L270642182
1 Apr 11New Wimbledon Theatre, Outer London :: V341
listing details L01119108901

Even More/Roughcut/Lie of the Land - T0462468740

Alston’s brand new Even More is driven by the sharp contrasts of Prokofiev’s brilliant sixth Piano Sonata. Anger melts suddenly into a sweet lyricism. Both music and dance deal with the complexity of Prokofiev’s character, warm and quick-tempered by turn. The Sonata is played live onstage by Jason Ridgway. Alston’s contemporary classic Roughcut is danced to the cascading peals of Steve Reich’s shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoints for clarinet and guitar. Made in 1990, and a smash hit ever since, the piece is a joyful display of pure energy. The programme also includes Martin Lawrance’s tightly sprung Lie of the Land, danced to modern American composer Ned Rorem’s String Quartet No. 4.
1 Mar 11 to 2 Mar 11Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L01982849209

Roughcut/Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms/Lie of the Land - T3531847

For his company’s eagerly awaited return to the Exeter Northcott, Richard Alston has chosen a diverse collection of composers including minimalist icon Steve Reich and 17th century lutenist Denis Gaultier. Alston’s contemporary classic Roughcut - a euphoric display of pure energy - is danced to the cascading peals of Steve Reich’s New York and Electric Counterpoints for clarinet and guitar. Very much inspired by the paintings of Vermeer, Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms is accompanied by the quiet sensuality of Baroque lute music. Martin Lawrance’s tightly sprung Lie Of The Land is danced to modern American composer Ned Rorem’s String Quartet No. 4.
16 Feb 11 to 17 Feb 11Northcott Theatre, Exeter :: V886
listing details L0276007138

T1763616633

The last 18 months have been eventful ones for [Richard Alston], Britain’s most musical choreographer. In addition to directing Rich ard Alston Dance Company, he made a critically acclaimed Carmen for Scottish Ballet, and was appointed Chair of Youth Dance England. 2010 began with a four-week tour of the US, including RADC’s third, sell-out New York season. For its November performance at the Festival Theatre, Alston will be creating brand new work and reviving his iconic Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms. Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms deals with privacy, with a delicacy of feeling masked by a formal façade of propriety and gracious behaviour. It is danced to lute pieces by the Baroque master Denis Gaultier - in the 17th century, a music lesson could act as the polite cover for stolen moments of intimacy. Also featured is complementary music for mandolin by the Japanese composer Jo Kondo. All the music is performed live.
12 Nov 10Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L235579480

Even More/Shuffle It Right/Movements From Petrushka - T34941031

Even More is driven by the sharp contrasts of Prokofiev’s brilliant sixth Piano Sonata. Terse anger melts suddenly into a sweet lyricism. Shuffle It Right is a light and good-humoured piece syncopating to the jazzy songs of Hoagy Carmichael, including Riverboat Shuffle, Ol’ Man Harlem and, of course, Star Dust. Movements From Petrushka reworks images from the ballet Petrushka, and is revived to mark the recent centenary of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes.
9 Nov 10 to 10 Nov 10Theatr Clwyd, Mold :: V810
listing details L1793228734

Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms/Even More/Overdrive - T610159062

Richard Alston’s Summer 2010 offering is a breathtaking example of contemporary dance. As always, music is at the heart of Alston’s’ work, and the company’s 2010 programme continues this theme. Alston’s Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms is inspired by Vermeer’s iconic portrait, ‘Girl With A Pearl Earring’ and lute music by the 17th century master Denis Gaultier. The piece has been well-received and highly critically acclaimed with the Daily Telegraph calling it ‘A lovely portrait of lovers’ intimacy which explores the turbulent privacy of the world of Vermeer paintings. In contrast, Alston’s newest piece, Even More, receiving its touring premiere at the Arts Theatre, is performed to Russian composer Prokofiev’s passionate and percussive Sonata No.6 for piano. In the third piece, Overdrive, Alston takes up the pulsating rhythm of modern Californian composer Terry Riley’s music and runs with it to the wire.
28 Sep 10 to 29 Sep 10Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L0330914999

Upclose/In the Round - T01916476521

The Upclose programme features brand new works by Richard Alston and Martin Lawrance. Martin Lawrance’s premiere checks out the Lie of the Land, dancers shifting sharply to the abrupt percussive bursts of Ryoji Ikeda. Alston’s new Even More explores the close contact and small signals that dancers use to stay in touch. Also in the programme to celebrate The Place’s 40th anniversary, Alston’s earliest existing work, Something to Do, created within a month of The Place opening in 1969. Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms, a duet made in 1997, is inspired by the paintings of Vermeer, the dance is accompanied by the quiet sensuality of 17th century lute music played live by James Woodrow.
16 Jun 10 to 19 Jun 10The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L1557779886

Overdrive/Shuffle it Right/To Dance and Skylark - T1990352729

The joyous surge of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, the idiosyncratic songs of Hoagy Carmichael, and the taut, driven layers of Californian composer Terry Riley...here is music full of glorious contrasts. Richard Alston’s Overdrive takes up the pulsating rhythm of Californian composer Terry Riley’s music and runs with it to the wire - shifting, changing direction, curving over and under but never pausing for breath. Shuffle it Right is a light and good humoured company piece syncopating to the jazzy songs of Hoagy Carmichael, who himself sings and plays piano on these wartime recordings, which include Stardust, of course, and Ol’ Man Harlem and Riverboat Shuffle. Martin Lawrance’s To Dance and Skylark is a celebration of Bach’s vigorous and colourful Brandenburg concertos. Lawrance’s steps pick up on all the elation of this wonderful music.Choreographer Richard Alston (Overdrive). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (To Dance and Skylark).
25 May 10 to 26 May 10Curve, Leicester :: V830272338
listing details L1940651088
23 Feb 10 to 24 Feb 10Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L0283309128

Overdrive/Shuffle it Right/Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms - T0921080461

Richard Alston’s Overdrive takes up the pulsating rhythm of Californian composer Terry Riley’s music and runs with it to the wire - shifting, changing direction, curving over and under but never pausing for breath. Shuffle it Right is a light and good humoured company piece syncopating to the jazzy songs of Hoagy Carmichael, who himself sings and plays piano on these wartime recordings, which include Stardust, of course, and Ol’ Man Harlem and Riverboat Shuffle. Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms deals with privacy, with a delicacy of feeling masked by the formal facade of propriety and gracious behaviour. It is performed to pieces by the 17th century lute master Denis Gaultier and contemporary music for mandolin.
18 May 10Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L344730746

T222474055

Richard Alston Dance Company's programme includes the Norwich premiere of Alston's VERDRIVE, powered by the relentless push of Californian composer Terry Riley's thrilling Keyboard Studies. As the music creates ever more complicated layers of urgent rhythm, Alston's dancers are hard pressed to keep up with the pace and euphoria. The result is wild, energetic and thrilling.
30 Mar 10 to 31 Mar 10Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L01252110818

To Dance and Skylark/Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms/Overdrive - T01917044856

Having recently celebrated 40 years of making dance, Richard Alston returns with an exquisite evening of classic and contemporary repertoire. [Martin Lawrance]'s To Dance and Skylark (2009) is a celebration of Bach's colourful Brandenburg concertos, their rhythmic complexity and melodic vigour reflected in the company's high-spirited athletics -'clever, original, true choreography' (Financial Times). In contrast [Alston]'s Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms (2002) is delicate and tender, 'a lovely portrait of lovers' intimacy' (Daily Telegraph) accompanied by the works of Baroque lute master Denis Gaultier and contemporary pieces for mandolin. 'Fast paced and utterly exhilarating' (Sunday Times), Overdrive (2003) is a highly charged onslaught of sharply etched energy, catching the urgency of Terry Riley's Keyboard Studies and running with it to the wire.
23 Mar 10 to 24 Mar 10Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L1025676224
16 Mar 10 to 17 Mar 10Brighton Dome, Brighton :: V655
listing details L2098182403

Movements from Petrushka/To Dance and Skylark/Overdrive - T605786390

Movements From Petrushka links the anguish of the main character to the very real mental suffering of Nijinsky, the great dancer who created the role of Petrushka. This brand new production boasts designs based on the original dropcloth by Alexandre Benois and choreography revolving around a grand piano, which is played centrestage. [Martin Lawrance]’s To Dance And Skylark, his latest work, is a joyous celebration of Bach’s vigorous and colourful Brandenburg Concertos. The company’s high-spirited athletics pick up on all the elation of this wonderful music. Alston’s Overdrive is a highly charged and relentless onslaught of sharply etched energy, catching the urgency of American composer Terry Riley’s Keyboard Studies and running with it to the wire.Choreographer Richard Alston (Movements from Petrushka). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (To Dance and Skylark). Choreographer Richard Alston (Overdrive).
3 Mar 10 to 4 Mar 10Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L0527773815

Movements from Petrushka/To Dance and Skylark/Overdrive - T0748399714

The joyous surge of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, Stravinsky’s vibrant Russian folk tunes, and the taut, driven layers of Terry Riley....here is music full of glorious contrasts. Alston’s Movements from Petrushka skilfully reworks images from the ballet Petrushka, and is revived to mark the 2009 centenary of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. 'You only have to watch two minutes from Movements From Petrushka to see Alston’s on a winning streak' The Guardian [Martin Lawrance]’s To Dance and Skylark is a celebration of dance energy, performed to Bach’s vigorous concertos. High-spirited, athletic steps complement the elation of this wonderful music. 'Clever, original, true choreography, I want to see much more of Lawrance’s dance making' Financial Times Alston’s Overdrive picks up Riley’s music and runs with it to the wire. 'Fast paced and utterly exhilarating' Sunday TimesChoreographer Richard Alston (Movments from Petrushka). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (To Dance and Skylark). Choreographer Richard Alston (Overdrive).
10 Nov 09Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L01392412367

Overdrive/To Dance and Skylark - T1820490930

Music is at the very heart of Richard Alston’s dance making, and this season sees the master choreographer’s company span some 250 years of music, from Baroque composer J.S. Bach to the contemporary Californian composer Terry Riley. Wild, energetic and thrilling, Overdrive is powered by the relentless push of Riley’s percussive, cross-rhythmic keyboard studies. Trance-like in its effect, the choreography demands extreme virtuosity and stamina from its performers and is rightly acclaimed as a modern masterpiece of British dance. ‘Fast-paced and utterly exhilarating’ Sunday Times The programme also includes company choreographer Martin Lawrance’s latest success, To Dance and Skylark (pictured), a glorious and colourful ensemble piece which is danced to two of Bach’s most joyful Brandenburg Concertos, the F Major and G Major. ‘Clever, original, true choreography. I want to see much more of Lawrance’s dance making’ Financial Times
2 Nov 09 to 3 Nov 09Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L1167189781

Blow Over/Alert/Serene Beneath - T01953989878

Following the success of Blow Over, commissioned by Dance Umbrella in 2008 in celebration of Alston’s 60th birthday, and Carmen, choreographed for Scottish Ballet this spring, [Richard Alston] is premiering his third and fourth new works in the past nine months. Alston’s new creations span the past 100 years of modern music. Alert is a brand new collaboration with composer [Claudia Molitor], specially commissioned as part of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Hear Here! project to examine the very notion of listening. Serene Beneath is to the haunting piano music of Stravinsky’s contemporary, [Alexei Stanchinsky]. Former company member Martin Lawrance has expanded Brink, a work he created for the company in 2007, for the performances at The Place. The reworked version features six dancers in five movements set to Japanese composer Ayuo’s Eurasian tango music. [Richard Alston]’s Blow Over is a work for 10 dancers, set to [Phillip Glass]’s Songs from Liquid Days. It was co-commissioned in 2008 by Dance Umbrella and Sadler’s Wells, and premiered at Sadler’s Wells as part of Alston’s 60th birthday celebrations in October. Brimming with effervescence, Blow Over is fast-paced with its dancers weaving their way through intricate patterns in duets, trios and ensemble sections.
16 Jun 09 to 17 Jun 09The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L1246637393

Blow Over/To Dance and Skylark/Movements from Petrushka - T2079523059

Alston’s Blow Over, set to Philip Glass’s Songs from Liquid Days, was co-commissioned in 2008 by Dance Umbrella and Sadler’s Wells, and premiered at Sadler’s Wells as part of Alston’s 60th birthday celebrations. o Dance and Skylark - A piece for the full company of 10 dancers, it is set to Bach’s G Major and F Major Brandenburg Concertos. Lawrance’s high-spirited steps pick up on the elation of the glorious and enduringly popular music. In Movements from Petrushka, set to Stravinsky’s piano arrangements of his own score, and specially revived this year to mark the centenary of Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes, Alston reworks images from the ballet Petrushka. The new production was made possible by the generosity of the late Sir John Drummond CBE, with the image on the original front-cloth by Alexandre Benois reinterpreted by designer Liz Reed.
28 May 09 to 29 May 09Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L1982043446
21 May 09Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon Theatre), Brecon :: V1067
listing details L01237603339
18 May 09 to 19 May 09Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L1796122411
14 May 09 to 15 May 09Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L2007940655
7 Apr 09 to 8 Apr 09Hall for Cornwall, Truro :: V1183
listing details L744504409
10 Mar 09 to 11 Mar 09The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L0359155351

Blow Over/Movements from Petrushka - T01669602804

2008 marks [Richard Alston]'s 60th birthday and also the 40th anniversary of his first piece of choreography. To celebrate both occasions, [Richard Alston] Dance Company is presenting a special programme which includes both new choreography, Blow Over, and a revival of one of Alston's most acclaimed early works for the company, Movements from Petrushka, along with a third work from rising young company choreographer, Martin Lawrance. Alston made Movements from Petrushka in 1994, the year RADC was founded. It revolves around the figure of Petrushka, and is danced to Stravinsky's own solo piano arrangement of his full score - played live onstage by the remarkable young pianist Jason Ridgway. A virtuosic tour de force, visceral and intense, Movements from Petrushka was hailed as a triumph by critics and audiences. BLOW OVER, which Alston is yet to begin creating, has been co-commissioned by Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Dance Umbrella Festival in London. It will be set to the racing pace of American composer [Philip Glass]'s Songs from Liquid Days.
22 Apr 09 to 23 Apr 09Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury :: V0465778148
listing details L968586805
1 Apr 09Brighton Dome, Brighton :: V655
listing details L1593451915
25 Mar 09 to 26 Mar 09Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L0177933254
17 Mar 09 to 18 Mar 09Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L01311210473

T382947069

No other dance company in the world places such unalloyed emphasis on the importance of music - and the deep magic it can conjure together with dance - as Richard Alston Dance Company. The result is an untrammeled pleasure that carries all before it.
20 Feb 09Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L1756333164

Blow Over/To Dance and Skylark/Shuffle It Right - T02080262676

Alston’s Blow Over, set to Philip Glass’s Songs from Liquid Days, was co-commissioned in 2008 by Dance Umbrella and Sadler’s Wells, and premiered at Sadler’s Wells as part of Alston’s 60th birthday celebrations. o Dance and Skylark - A piece for the full company of 10 dancers, it is set to Bach’s G Major and F Major Brandenburg Concertos. Lawrance’s high-spirited steps pick up on the elation of the glorious and enduringly popular music. Shuffle It Right, commissioned by The DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Notre Dame University, Indiana, is Alston’s 2008 tribute to the great American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael. Evoking a lazy summer in the Deep South, Shuffle It Right’s wit and expressive detail come to life with toe-tapping charm.
10 Feb 09Octagon Theatre, Yeovil :: V919
listing details L02069958386

Shuffle It Right - T0358704049

Every piece of dance Richard Alston makes is inspired by music, and a highlight of his company's visit to the Festival Theatre this autumn will be Shuffle It Right. Performed to classics from the American Songbook composed by the iconic Hoagy Carmichael and recorded by Carmichael with his own bands during the 1940s and 1950s. Alston includes well known hits like Riverboat Shuffle, Star Dust and No More Toujours L'Amour, along with lesser known gems, many of them sung by Carmichael himself in his inimitable Southern drawl.
11 Nov 08Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L1224072262

Shuffle it Right/Body and Soul/Blow Over - T604268649

The songwriter Hoagy Carmichael recorded his own often witty lyrics in a low-key Southern drawl, a style he described as 'lazying'. In [Richard Alston]'s Shuffle it Right, the songs Alston has chosen (including Riverboat Shuffle, Old Man Harlem and, of course, Star Bust) fairly scurry along with wry little licks and subtly punched out rhythm. It is toe-tapping, knee-jiggling music which gets the whole company of ten dancers moving. Schumann's romantic Dichterliebe song cycle inspired [Martin Lawrance]'s Body and Soul. The music deals with the obsessive suffering of a romantic lover. Lawrance chooses his music with care, and treats it with respect. Schumann's song cycle is sung live onstage by [Nicolas Simeha], accompanied by [Jason Ridgway]. The programme is completed by [Richard Alston]'s brand new Blow Over choreographed to the racing pace of [Philip Glass]' Songs 'From Liquid Days'.
4 Nov 08 to 5 Nov 08Northcott Theatre, Exeter :: V886
listing details L0900500728

Shuffle It Right/Blow Over/The Men in My Life - T337550216

Richard Alston Dance Company return with an all-new programme of exhilarating dance and captivating music, in the company’s trademark fusion of movement and music. The songwriter Hoagy Carmichael recorded his own often witty lyrics in a low-key Southern drawl, a style he described as 'lazying'. In Shuffle It Right, the songs [Richard Alston] has chosen (including Riverboat Shuffle, Old Man Harlem and, of course, Star Dust) fairly scurry along with wry little licks and subtly punched out rhythm. It’s toe tapping, knee jiggling music which gets the whole company moving. Also in the programme are Alston’s Blow Over, set to the racing pace of [Philip Glass]’s Songs From Liquid Days, and The Men in My Life, a celebration of the remarkable work that Alston has made for male dancers, through choreography made for such outstanding dancers as [Michael Clark], [Darshan Singh Bhuller] and [Martin Lawrance], right up to the latest dances for [Jonathan Goddard], nominated this year for the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance.
7 Oct 08 to 8 Oct 08Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L02025968381

40/60 - T1233733849

2 Oct 08 to 3 Oct 08Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L01843459272

Nigredo/No More Ghosts/Body and Soul/Brink - T240346731

Choreographed by company dancer [Darren Ellis], No More Ghosts will have its World Premiere at The Place. The full-company work is set to music for drums and electronica composed and performed by [Wayne Walker-Allen]. Body and Soul, which will have its London Premiere at The Place, is a new work by RADC rehearsal director and former RADC dancer [Martin Lawrance]. Set to Robert [Schumann]’s Dichterliebe (op. 48), performed by singer [Nicolas Simeha] and pianist [Jason Ridgway], the piece sees its six dancers engage in fast-paced duets and solos that range from tumultuous to tender. [Richard Alston]’s Nigredo was created for Brief Candles, a collaboration between RADC and the Society for the Promotion of New Music seen at The Place in 2007. A sequence of intimate and intricate duets for four dancers, the piece is set to a contemporary score for piano composed by [Simon Holt] and performed by [Jason Ridgway]. [Martin Lawrance]’s quirky Brink is also on the programme. Created in 2007, Brink is a sextet set to a recording of [Ayuo]’s Japanese tango music played on the accordion. By turns playful and sassy, three couples give the traditional dance a contemporary spin.Choreographer Richard Alston (Nigredo). Music Simon Holt (Nigredo). Performer Jason Ridgway (Nigredo - music performance). Choreographer Darren Ellis (No More Ghosts). Music Wayne Walker-Allen (No More Ghosts). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (Body and Soul). Music Schumann (Body and Soul). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (Brink). Music Ayuo (Brink).
13 Jun 08 to 14 Jun 08The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L478665810

Fingerprint/Body and Soul/Lazy River - T1095215560

Fingerprint is an inspired response to the intricate and inventive flow that is the genius of Bach. Fingerprint pairs the young Bach’s Capriccio for keyboard with the D Major Toaccata, a bright and forthright celebration of both subtlety and bravura. Body and Soul is a world premiere, inspired by Schumann's romantic Dichterliebe. The music deals with the obsessive and anguished suffering of a romantic lover. Lazy River features a collection of songs from Hoagy Carmichael including Riverboat Shuffle, Georgia, Old Man Harlem and Star Dust. This toe-tapping, knee-jiggling music gets the whole company moving.Choreographer Richard Alston (Fingerprint). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (Body and Soul). Choreographer Richard Alston (Lazy River). Performer Jonathan Goddard.
22 Apr 08Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L740858947
8 Apr 08The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L0533551396
18 Mar 08 to 19 Mar 08Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L0274215450
11 Mar 08 to 12 Mar 08Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L01704687215

Fingerprint/Nigredo/Brink/Lazy River - T01653421692

Fingerprint is an inspired response to the intricate and inventive flow that is the genius of Bach. Fingerprint pairs the young Bach’s Capriccio for keyboard with the D Major Toaccata, a bright and forthright celebration of both subtlety and bravura. Nigredo, a sequence of intimate and intricate duets, was created by Richard Alston for RADC’s acclaimed 2007 project with the Society for the Promotion of New Music, to piano music by the British composer Simon Holt. Brink puts a new slant on Tango Nuevo, arranged here for the accordion by Japanese composer Ayuo. Sharp and dramatic duets reflect a contemporary twist on tango, driving it to the edge. (Chor: Martin Lawrance). Lazy River features a collection of songs from Hoagy Carmichael including Riverboat Shuffle, Georgia, Old Man Harlem and Star Dust. This toe-tapping, knee-jiggling music gets the whole company moving.
2 Apr 08 to 3 Apr 08Brighton Dome, Brighton :: V655
listing details L1883166571
6 Mar 08Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon Theatre), Brecon :: V1067
listing details L466467179
27 Feb 08 to 28 Feb 08Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L2098182896
12 Feb 08 to 13 Feb 08Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L1283746927

Fingerprint/Brink/Nigredo/Gypsy Mixture - T557419315

Fingerprint is an inspired response to the intricate and inventive flow that is the genius of Bach. Fingerprint pairs the young Bach’s Capriccio for keyboard with the D Major Toaccata, a bright and forthright celebration of both subtlety and bravura. Nigredo, a sequence of intimate and intricate duets, was created by Richard Alston for RADC’s acclaimed 2007 project with the Society for the Promotion of New Music, to piano music by the British composer Simon Holt. Brink puts a new slant on Tango Nuevo, arranged here for the accordion by Japanese composer Ayuo. Sharp and dramatic duets reflect a contemporary twist on tango, driving it to the edge. (Chor: Martin Lawrance). Gypsy Mixture, specially revived for the season, is one of Alton’s most joyous outpourings of humanity and high spirits. Involving the whole company, it fairly races along, fuelled by the rough-and-ready warmth of Gypsy music from Romania.
7 Feb 08Sheffield Theatres, Sheffield :: V962
listing details L1880561978

Gypsy Mixture/Fingerprint/Brink - T1962978944

The guttural and fervent cries of Balkan singers form the basis of Richard Alston’s Gypsy Mixture. Remixed by a fantastic range of DJs from all over the world, gypsy influences are given a sharp twist, a grittier edge. Gypsy Mixture is about humanity fighting to keep its spirit against harsh and uncertain surroundings.In Fingerprint, Alston uses two pieces of keyboard music by J.S. Bach - Capriccio and Toccata In D Major - the first tinged with sadness, the second full of grand flourishes and galloping dance rhythm, to paint a picture of Bach’s brother Jakob’s departure for Sweden (from where he never returned). In Brink, fast-rising choreographer Martin Lawrance is inspired by Japanese composer Ayuo’s quirky Eurasian Tango.Choreographer Martin Lawrance (Brink).
19 Nov 07 to 20 Nov 07Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L01617125669
13 Nov 07Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L01407364023

Brief Candles - T01782943290

Choreographer Richard Alston. Choreographer Martin Lawrence. Choreographer Darren Ellis. Performer Simon Holt.
16 Jun 07 to 17 Jun 07Exeter Phoenix, Exeter :: V889
listing details L514773241
5 Jun 07 to 6 Jun 07The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L0340663480

Red Run/The Devil in the Detail - T01011592783

Red Run embraces the spirit of its atmospheric score of the same name by the German composer Heiner Goebbels. Electric guitar gives a tinge of rock influence, and piano and brass burst into passages of all-out-jazz - but these episodes shift gear sharply into darker, more shadowy passages. The Devil in the Detail is a light-hearted, light-footed celebration of sheer elegance and wit. Scott Joplin, 'The King of Ragtime' wrote piano rags of huge appeal, rich in syncopated detail - it's music to make the dancers strut and stride in high style, yet remain cool and nonchalant.Choreographer Richard Alston (The Devil in the Detail). Choreographer Richard Alston (New Piece). Choreographer Martin Lawrence (New Piece).
19 Apr 07 to 20 Apr 07Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L01693264760
28 Mar 07 to 31 Mar 07Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L1494567816
20 Mar 07 to 21 Mar 07Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L943642224

The Devil in the Detail/About-Face/Red Run - T436301

The Devil in the Detail - Alston's brand new work, is a light-hearted, light-footed celebration of sheer elegance and wit. [Scott Joplin], 'the King of Ragtime', wrote piano rags of huge appeal, rich in syncopated detail - it's music to make the dancers strut and stride in high style, yet remain cool and nonchalant. About-Face - is company dancer [Martin Lawrance]'s firs commission for the Richard Alston Dance Company. It captures the simplicity yet also the intricacy of [Marin Marais]' Suite dans un Gout Etranger, sublime seventeenth century music for viols. Red Run - embraces the spirit of its atmospheric score Red Rum nine songs for eleven instruments by the German composer [Heiner Goebbels]. The eleven instruments include electric guitar which gives a tinge of rock influence, and piano and brass which burst into passages of all-out-jazz - but these episodes shift gear sharply into darker; more shadowy spaces.Choreographer Richard Alston (The Devil in the Detail). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (About Face).
6 Mar 07The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L488731419
14 Nov 06Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L1446307068
2 Nov 06 to 3 Nov 06Sherman Theatre, Cardiff :: V824
listing details L01468383694
16 Oct 06 to 17 Oct 06Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L1223044051

Red Run/Volumina/The Devil in the Detail - T02090184946

Red Run embraces the spirit of German composer Heiner Goebbel's score. With rock influence, piano and brass burst into passages of jazz then shift sharply into darker passages. Volumina is full of ghostly, subtle rustlings and sudden erupting note-clusters, Legeti's cavernous organ-piece thunders round the dancers, darting back and forth half-hidden in the shadows. The Devil in the Detail is a light-hearted celebration of elegance using Scott Joplin's piano rags, rich in syncopated detail, making the dancers strut and stride in style.
28 Nov 06Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L0429492127

The Devil in the Detail/About-Face/Volumina - T01952139130

[Richard Alston] returns with a new programme of exhilarating choreography and inspirational music - from the style and sophistication of [Scott Joplin] to the thunderous echoes of [Ligeti]'s mighty Volumina. The Devil in the Detail, Alston's brand new work, is a light-hearted, light-footed celebration of sheer elegance and wit. [Scott Joplin], 'the King of Ragtime', wrote piano rags of huge appeal, rich in syncopated detail - it's music to make the dancers strut and stride in high style, yet remain cool and nonchalant in the face of the strenuous life. About-Face is company dancer [Martin Lawrance]'s first commission for the Company. It captures the simplicity yet also the intricacy of Marin Marais' Suite dans un Goût Etranger, sublime seventeenth century music for viols. In Volumina, another brand new work by Alston, the air is filled with ghostly and subtle rustlings and suddenly erupting note-clusters. [Ligeti]'s cavernous organ-piece thunders round the dancers, who dart back and forth, half-hidden in the shadows. Volumina is both spectacular and mysterious.Choreographer Richard Alston (The Devil in the Detail / Volumina). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (About Face).
9 May 06 to 10 May 06Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L0627024547
11 Apr 06 to 12 Apr 06Haymarket Theatre, Leicester :: V431
listing details L41749808
29 Mar 06 to 1 Apr 06Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L01547228487

Volumina/Such Longing/About Face - T02098294090

In Volumina Alston's brand new work, the air is filled with ghostly and subtle rustlings and suddenly erupting note-clusters. [Legeti]'s cavernous organ-piece thunders round the dancers, who dark back and forth half-hidden in the shadows - Volumina is both spectacular and mysterious. Such Longing is played live to the achingly beautiful meditations of Chopin's Nocturnes and Etudes. Filled with melancholy and nostalgia for his Polish homeland, this is Chopin in lyrical and introspective mood. About-Face is company dancer [Martin Lawrance]'s first commission for the Company. It captures the simplicity yet also the intricacy of Marin Marais' Suite dans un Goût Etranger, sublime seventeenth century music for viols.Music Legeti (Volumina). Choreographer Richard Alston (Volumina). Music Chopin (Such Longing). Music Marin Marais (About Face). Choreographer Martin Lawrance (About Face).
21 Mar 06 to 22 Mar 06Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L0958694487
10 Mar 06 to 11 Mar 06Brighton Dome, Brighton :: V655
listing details L0593808242
3 Mar 06 to 4 Mar 06Liverpool Playhouse, Liverpool :: V536
listing details L338510248

Volumina/Curious Choices - T02127055159

Volumina - Alston's brand new work, fills the air with ghostly and subtle rustlings as Ligeti's cavernous organ piece thunders around the dancers, darting back and forth, half-hidden in the shadows -it's both spectacular and mysterious. Curious Choices - a brand new work by Martin Lawrance, to music by master of the French Baroque, Marin Marais, is also included in this stellar and musically diverse programme.Choreographer Richard Alston. Choreographer Martin Lawrance.
14 Mar 06The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L01511762200

Volumina/Fever/Such Longing - T01134696577

In Volumina Alston's brand new work, the air is filled with ghostly and subtle rustlings and suddenly erupting note-clusters. [Legeti]'s cavernous organ-piece thunders round the dancers, who dark back and forth half-hidden in the shadows - Volumina is both spectacular and mysterious. Fever takes as its inspiration vocal pieces by the late Renaissance composer Claudio [Monteverdi]. Flowing with liquid sensuality, Monteverdi's glorious madrigals speak of heartache and desire, seduction and pleasure. Such Longing is set to the beautiful meditations of [Chopin]'s Nocturnes and Etudes, played live. Filled with melancholy and sad longing for his Polish homeland, this is Chopin in lyrical and introspective mood.Music Legeti. Music Monteverdi. Music Chopin.
29 Nov 05Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L01352681944
22 Nov 05Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent :: V124
listing details L01408957898
15 Nov 05Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L01180692063
11 Nov 05Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon Theatre), Brecon :: V1067
listing details L0451578390
3 Nov 05 to 4 Nov 05Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L01680054180

Fever/Gypsy Mixture/Such Longing - T0882722771

Gypsy Mixture takes off from the guttural and Eastern influenced voices of Romanian and Macedonian gypsies, re-mixed by DJs from such distant parts of the globe as Chile and Brazil. The result is extraordinary, a truly heady brew of traditional and contemporary. Fever gives us lush velvet dancing to the glorious madrigals of Claudio Monteverdi, infused with all the sensuality and warmth of Italy. Alston's new work , Such Longing is played live to the achingly beautiful meditations of Chopin's Nocturnes and Etudes. Filled with melancholy and nostalgia for his Polish homeland, this is Chopin in lyrical and introspective mood.
22 Apr 05 to 23 Apr 05Theatre Royal, Bath :: V854
listing details L2128131114
10 Mar 05 to 11 Mar 05Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L1469600323
4 Mar 05 to 5 Mar 05Liverpool Playhouse, Liverpool :: V536
listing details L0314043479
23 Feb 05 to 26 Feb 05Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L441450588
11 Feb 05 to 12 Feb 05Sheffield Theatres, Sheffield :: V962
listing details L0765795785

Such Longing/Fever/Brisk Singing - T0814201716

Such Longing is set to the beautiful meditations of Chopin's Nocturnes and Etudes, played live. Filled with melancholy and sad longing for his Polish homeland, this is Chopin in lyrical and introspective mood. Fever takes as its inspiration vocal pieces by the late Renaissance composer Claudio Monteverdi. Flowing with liquid sensuality, Monteverdi's glorious madrigals speak of heartache and desire, seduction and pleasure. Also present is Brisk Singing inspired by some of the most joyous music ever written for dance.
12 Apr 05 to 13 Apr 05Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L1203929239

Gypsy Mixture - T1913554149

An exhilarating programme of luscious, quick-fire choreography and uplifting music. Alston is a master of his craft and makes dancing look irresistible. The guttural and fervent cries of Balkan gypsy singers form the basis of his latest work, Gypsy Mixture. Re-mixed by a fantastic range of international DJs, the gypsy influences are given a sharp twist, a grittier edge.
15 Mar 05The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L2076633844

Fever/Charge/Such Longing/Gypsy Mixture - T1205083075

15 Feb 05 to 16 Feb 05Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L1155028490

Streetpeople - T01092577311

The guttural and fervent music of Balkan gypsies forms the basis of Alston's latest work Streetpeople. Re-fashioned with remixes by contemporary DJs from all over the world, gypsy influences are given a sharp twist.
21 Jan 05 to 22 Jan 05Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L01144077472

Shimmer - T697219867

Richard Alston Dance Comany returns with an exhilarating evening of luscious, quick-fire choreography and uplifting music. Alston is widely acknowledged as master of his craft and his work has a sweep and freedom that makes dancing look irresistible. The programme includes the highly acclaimed Shimmer.Music Ravel. Performer Julien Macdonald.
18 Jan 05Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent :: V124
listing details L685154754

Charge/Shimmer/Gypsy Mixture - T1258993123

Gypsy Mixture - features the fervent music of Balkan gypsies remixed by contemporary DJs. Shimmer is danced to the sun drenched live music of Ravel.Choreographer Richard Alston (Gypsy Mixture). Music Ravel (Shimmer). Costume Julien Macconald (Shimmer).
16 Nov 04Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L567597428
12 Nov 04Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon Theatre), Brecon :: V1067
listing details L713386838
9 Nov 04 to 10 Nov 04Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L1314835626

Gypsy Mixture/Shimmer/Brisk Singing - T1665730174

Gypsy Mixture - features the fervent music of Balkan gypsies remixed by contemporary DJs. Shimmer is danced to the sun drenched live music of Ravel. Brisk Singing is a revival of one of Alston's biggest hits of recent years. This buoyant and uplifting work is carried along by the music of the baroque genius [Jean-Philippe Rameau]. It is a wash of glorious movement, with limbs flung high nad wide in lunging, soaring space. This is an expansive and beautifully crafted work that is guaranteed to send you away with a smile.Choreographer Richard Alston (Gypsy Mixture). Music Ravel (Shimmer). Costume Julien Macconald (Shimmer).
5 Nov 04 to 6 Nov 04Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Aldeburgh :: V75
listing details L1116639516
2 Nov 04Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L0110500674
19 Oct 04 to 20 Oct 04Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes :: V754
listing details L0673668207

Grey Allegro/Shimmer/Brisk Singing - T1758622245

Grey Allegrois driven by the feisty vigour of Scarlatti's Sonatas for keyboard. Shimmer is dance to the sun-drenched music of Ravel. Brisk Singing is inspired by some of the most joyous music ever written for dance.Music Scarlatti. Music Ravel. Music Rameau.
15 Apr 04 to 16 Apr 04Liverpool Playhouse, Liverpool :: V536
listing details L974229376

Grey Allegro/Jeux d'Eau/Brisk Singing - T1450526159

Grey Allegro is driven by the feisty vigour of Domenico [Scarlatti]'s Sonatas for keyboard, played live. It is taut and elegant, matching musical lyricism with choreographic precision. Alston's latest work is dance to the sun-drenched music of [Ravel] played live. Mediterranean heat is measured with French formality in [Ravel]'s delicate Sonatine and in the gushing fountain jets of his Jeux d'Eau. Also presented is Brisk Singing inspired by some of the most joyous music ever written for dance.
26 Mar 04 to 27 Mar 04Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L1480498118

Overdrive - T1205048415

Powered by the relentless push of Terry Riley's Keyboard Studies, [Richard Alston]'s Overdrive builds ever more complicated layers, matching the music's urgent rhythm.
9 Mar 04The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L1359121690

Overdrive/Brisk Singing - T08017767

Overdrive is pulsating choreography, inspired by the resonating push of Terry Riley's Keyboard Studies. As the music creates more complicated rhythms, Overdrive sets the whole company in frenetic motion. Brisk Singing is the revival of a work last seen in London in 1998, performed to the baroque music of Jean-Philippe Rameau.Music Terry Riley. Music Jean-Philippe Rameau. Costume Julien Macdonald.
6 Mar 04Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L0617700557
20 Feb 04 to 21 Feb 04Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L1494164197

Overdrive/Hora Lunga/Brisk Singing - T1338452203

Overdrive is pulsating choreography, inspired by the resonating push of Terry Riley's Keyboard Studies. As the music creates more complicated rhythms, Overdrive sets the whole company in frenetic motion. Hora Lunga, more intimate and astringent, matches the spirit of György Ligeti's powerful sonata for solo viola. Brisk Singing is the revival of a work last seen in London in 1998, performed to the baroque music of Jean-Philippe Rameau.Music Terry Riley. Music Gyorgy Ligeti. Music Jean-Philippe Rameau.
25 Feb 04 to 28 Feb 04Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L0977094446

Brisk Singing/Grey Allegro/Overdrive - T1920785433

1 Dec 03Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L1241598724
28 Nov 03 to 29 Nov 03Blackpool Grand Theatre, Blackpool :: V518
listing details L0146932550
20 Nov 03 to 21 Nov 03Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L1590571896

Slow Airs Almost All/Grey Allegro/Overdrive - T02004803273

14 Nov 03Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon Theatre), Brecon :: V1067
listing details L1830700730
7 Oct 03Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L801077283
3 Oct 03 to 4 Oct 03Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L1582968270

Overdrive/Grey Allegro/Slow Airs Almost All - T01296076705

Overdrive is pulsating choreography inspired by the resonating push of Terry Riley's Keyboard Studies. The exciting score sets the whole company in frenetic motion; the result is wild, energetic and thrilling dance. Grey Allegro is driven by the feisty vigour of Scarlatti's Sonatas for keyboard. It is taut and elegant, matching musical lyricism with choreographic precision. Slow Airs Almost All reflects the sombre richness and warm sensuality of [Mozart]'s adagios for string trio, played live.
7 Oct 03Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L624750345

Red Run/Slow Airs Almost All/Touch and Go - T1018214063

These performances open with the sharp and atmosphere Red Run, set to a jazz-influenced score by [Heiner Goebbels]; Slow Airs reflects the richness of [Mozart]'s adagios for string trio and is played live; Touch and Go uses [Astor Piazzolla]'s Argentinian tango music to provoke a mood of excitement and desire.
23 Apr 03 to 26 Apr 03Theatre Royal, Bath :: V854
listing details L0720618458

Stampede/Slow Airs Almost All/Rumours, Visions - T1750588990

Stampede [Richard Alston]'s latest creation for his 12-strong company, responds to the exotic strains of Italian music from the Middle Ages. Slow Airs Almost All has at its heart duets, folding and unfolding to the sweet untrammelled singing of [Mozart] adagios for string trio. Rumours, Visions completes the spring repertory; it is an impassioned interpretation of [Benjamin Britten]'s song cycle Les Illuminations dealing with the intense love life and nightmarish hallucinations of the poet Rimbaud.
25 Mar 03 to 26 Mar 03Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L0474916260
18 Mar 03 to 19 Mar 03Gardner Arts Centre, Brighton :: V653
listing details L0141945642
18 Feb 03 to 19 Feb 03Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L871068241

Red Run/A Sudden Exit/Rumours Visions - T1082185832

Red Run, set to a jazz-influenced score by the cult German composer [Heiner Goebbels]. A Sudden Exit, a dance about deep affection, explores the pain of abrupt departure, set to [Brahms]'s haunting late piano music (opus 118). Rumours, Visions completes the spring repertory; it is an impassioned interpretation of [Benjamin Britten]'s song cycle Les Illuminations dealing with the intense love life and nightmarish hallucinations of the poet Rimbaud.
14 Mar 03 to 15 Mar 03Liverpool Playhouse, Liverpool :: V536
listing details L536430947

Red Run/A Sudden Exit/Touch and Go - T679977205

Red Run, set to a jazz-influenced score by the cult German composer [Heiner Goebbels]. A Sudden Exit, set to [Brahms]' late piano music, played live. Touch and Go uses [Astor Piazzolla]'s Argentinian tango music to provoke a mood of excitement and desire.
5 Mar 03Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L1881010541
28 Jan 03Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent :: V124
listing details L01918351147

Stampede/Slow Airs Almost All/Touch and Go - T161896629

Stampede [Richard Alston]'s latest creation for his 12-strong company, responds to the exotic strains of Italian music from the Middle Ages. Slow Airs Almost All has at its heart duets, folding and unfolding to the sweet untrammelled singing of [Mozart] adagios for string trio. Touch and Go is driven by the insistent and irresistible pull of the Argentinian tango. [Astor Piazzolla]'s music provokes a mood of restless excitement and represses desire, [Alston] responds with fast-paced steps and intricate partnering.
26 Feb 03The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L470484485
7 Nov 02 to 9 Nov 02Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L01985626108

Stampede/A Sudden Exit/Touch and Go - T040334110

The programme features Stampede, responding to the exotic sounds of Italian medieval music, A Sudden Exit, set to [Brahms]' late piano music, played live, and Touch and Go capturing the insistent pull of Argentinian tango.
7 Feb 03 to 8 Feb 03Sheffield Theatres, Sheffield :: V962
listing details L0902669997
4 Feb 03 to 5 Feb 03Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L01174583090
24 Jan 03 to 25 Jan 03Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L1428806571

Slow Airs Almost All/A Sudden Exit/Touch and Go - T0491499408

27 Nov 02 to 28 Nov 02Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester :: V719
listing details L0338661749

Stampede/Rumours, Visions/Touch and Go/ - T0391385966

Stampede - set to the exotic Moorish-influenced sounds of Italian mediaeval music. These powerful dance pieces, are arranged and played live by the [Dufay Collective]. Rumours, Visions - The music is [Benjamin Britten]'s Les Illuminations, the subject the intense love life and nightmarish hallucinations of the poet/genius [Arthur Rimbaud]. Stampede has been commissioned with support from Dance Umbrella, London. Touch and Go - [Piazzolla] tango music excitingly interpreted by [Alston] with swift-flowing fast-paced steps and intricate partnering.
15 Oct 02 to 16 Oct 02Sadler's Wells Theatre, Inner London :: V224
listing details L1619060586
11 Oct 02 to 12 Oct 02Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L0202809818
8 Oct 02Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L01641362912

Red/Run/Strange Company/Touch and Go - T01582626932

A new triple bill including the latest creation Strange Company The disturbed world of the composer [Robert Schumann] animates Alston's Strange Company. Swirling with romantic fervour but haunted by the menacing characters dreamed up in the composer's troubled imagination, this is indeed music possessed.
5 Apr 02 to 6 Apr 02Sheffield Theatres, Sheffield :: V962
listing details L1596615133

Touch and Go/Red Run - T0808656008

Touch and Go is driven by the insistent and irresistible pull of Argentinian tango. Piazzolla's music provokes a mood of restless excitement and repressed desires. Alston responds with fast-paced steps and intricate partnering. It is an explosive combination certain to exhilarate. Soda Lake, picturing a lone figure in the vast Mojave desert, will be performed for the first time by Alston's long-standing colleague and interpreter, Martin Lawrance. The evening also includes the sharp and atmospheric Red Run, set to a jazz-influenced score by the cult German composer Heiner Goebbels. Completing the programme is the beautiful duet Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms which delves into the inner feelings of two individuals in intimate encounter. Accompanied live by sublime 17th century lute pieces from Denis Gaultier and Ars Brevis, a contemporary work for mandolin by the Japanese composer Jo Kondo, Light Flooding receives its London premiere in these Queen Elizabeth Hall performances.
20 Mar 02 to 23 Mar 02Southbank Centre, West End :: V423
listing details L1802221260

Touch and Go/Strange Company/Water Music - T02004124936

5 Mar 02 to 6 Mar 02Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L0370973737

Touch and Go/Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms/Water Music - T637149754

28 Feb 02Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage :: V53
listing details L01231503634

Soda Lake/Lachrymae/Strange Company/Touch and Go (World Premiere) - T02070441940

Soda Lake made by Alston when he was director of [Rambert Dance Company], is framed by [Nigel Hall]'s arresting sculpture, and remarkable for its sense of calm, stillness alternating with flurries of activity. Lachrymae is a study of sorrow, reflecting the warmth and compassion of [Britten]'s achingly beautiful music for viola and string orchestra. Strange Company The disturbed world of the composer [Robert Schumann] animates Alston's second new creation Strange Company. Swirling with romantic fervour but haunted by the menacing characters dreamed up in the composer's troubled imagination, this is indeed music possessed. Touch and Go
19 Feb 02 to 20 Feb 02Gardner Arts Centre, Brighton :: V653
listing details L0126258239

Water Music/Strange Company/Red Run - T2147236846

Water Music - danced to the hugely famous suite by [Handel], carries the company along on a wave of crisp melody an dspeedy rhythm. A project cherished by the choreographer for some time, his recent discovery of Jordi Savall's robust and vigorous interpretation kick-started Alston into action. Soda Lake made by Alston when he was director of [Rambert Dance Company], is framed by [Nigel Hall]'s arresting sculpture, and remarkable for its sense of calm, stillness alternating with flurries of activity. Strange Company The disturbed world of the composer [Robert Schumann] animates Alston's second new creation Strange Company. Swirling with romantic fervour but haunted by the menacing characters dreamed up in the composer's troubled imagination, this is indeed music possessed. Red Run, set to a jazz-influenced score by the cult German composer Heiner Goebbels. Completing the programme is the beautiful duet Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms which delves into the inner feelings of two individuals in intimate encounter.Performer Jason Ridgway (piano - Strange Company).
8 Feb 02The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L0502397759

Lachrymae/Soda Lake/Strange Company/Water Music - T01580473291

Lachrymae is a study of sorrow, reflecting the warmth and compassion of [Britten]'s achingly beautiful music for viola and string orchestra. Soda Lake made by Alston when he was director of [Rambert Dance Company], is framed by [Nigel Hall]'s arresting sculpture, and remarkable for its sense of calm, stillness alternating with flurries of activity. Strange Company is inspired by the disturbing dreams of [Robert Schumann], swirling with romantic fervour but haunted by menacing specters. Water Music - danced to the hugely famous suite by [Handel], carries the company along on a wave of crisp melody an dspeedy rhythm. A project cherished by the choreographer for some time, his recent discovery of Jordi Savall's robust and vigorous interpretation kick-started Alston into action.Choreographer Richard Alston. Performer Jason Ridgway (piano).
5 Feb 02 to 6 Feb 02Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L0357797858
29 Jan 02 to 30 Jan 02Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L0799528572

Water Music/Soda Lake/Lachrymae/Strange Company - T01987253515

Water Music - danced to the hugely famous suite by [Handel], carries the company along on a wave of crisp melody an dspeedy rhythm. A project cherished by the choreographer for some time, his recent discovery of Jordi Savall's robust and vigorous interpretation kick-started Alston into action. Soda Lake made by Alston when he was director of [Rambert Dance Company], is framed by [Nigel Hall]'s arresting sculpture, and remarkable for its sense of calm, stillness alternating with flurries of activity. Lachrymae is a study of sorrow, reflecting the warmth and compassion of [Britten]'s achingly beautiful music for viola and string orchestra. Strange Company The disturbed world of the composer [Robert Schumann] animates Alston's second new creation Strange Company. Swirling with romantic fervour but haunted by the menacing characters dreamed up in the composer's troubled imagination, this is indeed music possessed.Performer Jason Ridgway (piano - Strange Company).
28 Nov 01 to 29 Nov 01Capitol Horsham (formerly Horsham Arts Centre), Horsham :: V723
listing details L01145002935
23 Nov 01Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L0302077557
15 Nov 01 to 16 Nov 01Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L0516384152
9 Nov 01Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon Theatre), Brecon :: V1067
listing details L1442191516
2 Nov 01 to 3 Nov 01Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L142751676
16 Oct 01 to 17 Oct 01Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L808016977
9 Oct 01 to 10 Oct 01The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L01949719249
28 Sep 01 to 29 Sep 01Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L1457389099

Tremor/Rough Cut/Electric Counterpoints - T02088158664

A triple bill of inspirational dance and uplifting music from a choreographer at the height of his creative powers. Set to [Shostakovich]'s third string quartet, played live by [Stringfactory], Tremor showcases the impressive talent of this renowned company as ten dancers fly across the stage impelled by the intensely powerful music. 'Upbeat, energetic, destined to send you home elated' is how The Times described Rough Cut. Set to live music by [Steve Rag]'s shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoints, this is music and dance at its most celebratory.
4 Apr 01New Victoria Theatre, Woking :: V709
listing details L01295932301

Fever / Tremor / Rough Cut - T510671571

Fever his latest work, feeds off the restless longings of some of the most exquisite and expressive madrigals - music of pure beauty from [Monteverdi]'s delicate score and dance that is both dreamy and corporeal. Tremor - features ten dancers flying across the stage, driven by [Shostakovich]'s intensely powerful third quartet played live by [Stringfactory]. Roughcut - Set to [Steve Reich]'s shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoints for clarinet and electric guitar, this is an energetic piece.Music Monteverdi (Fever). Music Shostakovich (Tremor). Music Steve Reich (Roughcut - New York and Electric Counterpoints). Performer Stringfactory.
31 Mar 01Blackpool Grand Theatre, Blackpool :: V518
listing details L01961921359
20 Mar 01 to 23 Mar 01Southbank Centre, West End :: V423
listing details L01205540006

Tremor/Roughcut - T0618225689

Tremor - features ten dancers flying across the stage, driven by [Shostakovich]'s intensely powerful third quartet played live by [Stringfactory]. Roughcut - rom 1990, dates from [Alston]'s period as director of [Rambert Dance Company]. Set to [Steve Reich]'s shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoint for clarinet and electric guitar.
27 Mar 01 to 28 Mar 01Sheffield Theatres, Sheffield :: V962
listing details L01229978306

The Signal of a Shake/A Sudden Exit/A New Work - T0417072793

The Company's eagerly awaited new programme embraces a variety of styles in one superb evening. [Alston]'s sensual and expressive new work, accompanied by music from [Monteverdi] is followed by A Sudden Exit - a beautifully intimate piece danced to live piano music by [Brahms]. The programme concludes with [Alston]'s most exuberant work to date; set to [Handel]'s organ concerti, The Signal of a Shake is an astonishing testament to the sheer joy of dance.
13 Mar 01 to 14 Mar 01Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L303576254

Fever/A Sudden Exit/Roughcut - T0911681035

Fever his latest work, feeds off the restless longings of some of the most exquisite and expressive madrigals - music of pure beauty from [Monteverdi]'s delicate score and dance that is both dreamy and corporeal. A Sudden Exit is set to [Brahms]' beautiful late piano music (Opus 118 and 119) played live by [Stringfactory]. A truly moving work, it explores the pain of abrupt departure. Roughcut - from 1990, dates from [Alston]'s period as director of [Rambert Dance Company]. Set to [Steve Reich]'s shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoint for clarinet and electric guitar.
9 Mar 01 to 10 Mar 01Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L129125956

A Sudden Exit/Roughcut - T1514114170

A Sudden Exit - is set to [Brahms]' beautiful late piano music (Opus 118 and 119) played live by [Stringfactory], a truly moving work, it explores the pain of abrupt departure. Roughcut was made in 1990 when [Alston] was director of [Rambert Dance Company]. Set to [Steve Reich]'s shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoints for clarinet and electric guitar.
27 Feb 01 to 28 Feb 01Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L123312893

Waltzes in Disorder, Tremor, The Signal of a Shake - T1145628131

The Signal Of The Shake - It is the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of Baroque music which has inspired Alston to get his whole company on the move to Handel's concerti for organ and orchestra
13 Feb 01 to 14 Feb 01Gardner Arts Centre, Brighton :: V653
listing details L841202858

T02024557186

The Signal of a Shake - the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of [Handel]'s Concerti for Organ and Orchestra have inspired Alston to get his whole company on the move. A Sudden Exit - An introspective and personal piece to [Brahm]'s late piano music Opus 118 and 119 which explores the pain of abrupt departure. Roughcut - Made in 1990 for [Rambert Dance Company] and danced to [Steve Reich]'s shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoints.
6 Feb 01 to 7 Feb 01Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L01856763641
6 Apr 00Royal Opera House, West End :: V377
listing details L1631945635
15 Mar 00 to 18 Mar 00Southbank Centre, West End :: V423
listing details L01753755684

The Signal of a Shake - T1442775420

[Richard Alston Dance Company] returns with a wonderfully varied programme culminating in Alston's latest hit, [The Signal of a Shake] which premiered in London in March. [Handel]'s concerti for organ and orchestra have inspired Britain's most musical choreographer to get his ten dancers on the move, weaving in and out of Handel's glorious melodies. Rejoicing in infectious rhythm, mixing rumbustuous vigour with lightness of touch, The Signal of a Shake is music and dance at its most celebratory.
30 Jan 01 to 31 Jan 01Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L1114224455

Waltzes in Disorder/Slow Airs Almost All/The Signal of a Shake - T0323124472

The evening opens with Waltzes in Disorder, set to [Brahms]' delicious Liebeslieder Walzer - music that delights in the pure pleasure of singing. To the rich harmonies of four voices and piano. Alston has created full-throttle dancing of both melting tenderness and wild abandon. The sweet untrammelled lyricism of [Mozart] adagios for string trio - played live - form the heart of Slow Airs Almost All, described by the Financial Times as "Alston at his very best". Finally, the sheer and unadulterated pleasures of [Handel]'s concerti for organ and orchestra get the whole company on the move in the joyous, celebratory The Signal of a Shake.
30 Jan 01 to 31 Jan 01Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L448555171
16 Nov 00 to 17 Nov 00Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L0719003005

Waltzes in Disorder, Slow Airs Almost All, The Signal of a Shake - T1170236010

Music Brahms (Waltzes in Disorder). Music Mozart (Slow Airs Almost All). Music Handel (The Signal of a Shake).
24 Nov 00Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L1474555565

The Signal of a Shake, Tremor and Roughcut - T0714871472

The Signal of a Shake - the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of [Handel]'s Concerti for Organ and Orchestra have inspired Alston to get his whole company on the move. Tremor - Live music by [Stringfactory], is danced to the third String Quartet of [Shostakovich], warmth and lyricism shadowed with Russian melancholy. Roughcut - Made in 1990 for [Rambert Dance Company] and danced to [Steve Reich]'s shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoints.
27 Oct 00 to 28 Oct 00The Lowry, Salford :: V0655996499
listing details L2060085995

T1494821437

[Richard Alston Dance Company] returns with a wonderfully varied programme culminating in Alston's latest hit, [The Signal of a Shake] which premiered in London in March. [Handel]'s concerti for organ and orchestra have inspired Britain's most musical choreographer to get his ten dancers on the move, weaving in and out of Handel's glorious melodies. Rejoicing in infectious rhythm, mixing rumbustuous vigour with lightness of touch, The Signal of a Shake is music and dance at its most celebratory.
24 Oct 00Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L01838213972

Tremor, Waltzes in Disorder, Roughcut - T895145254

Moving between euphoria and melancholy, this programme takes its inspiration from a striking choice of music: Waltzes in Disorder is danced to the rich harmonies of [Brahms]; Tremor to the warmth and lyricism of [Shostakovich]'s third string quartet, played live; and the smash hit Roughcut to [Steve Reich]'s stunning New York and Electric Counterpoint for clarinet and guitar.
19 Oct 00 to 20 Oct 00Capitol Horsham (formerly Horsham Arts Centre), Horsham :: V723
listing details L308723662
13 Oct 00 to 14 Oct 00Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L215694809

T0311079700

Slow Airs (Almost All) - [Mozart]'s adagios for string trio - played live - form the heart of of this piece. Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms - is accompanied by live music for lute and guitar, and delves into the inner feelings and intimate thoughts of two people in a private encounter. Flourish - the unadulterated pleasures of [Handel]'s concerti for organ and orchestra have inspired [Alston] to get his whole company on the move. Rejoicing in melody, and mixing great energy with lightness of touch, this is music and dance to celebrate the new millennium.
31 Mar 00 to 1 Apr 00Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L318916215

T01209504580

The Signal Of The Shake - It is the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of Baroque music which has inspired Alston to get his whole company on the move to Handel's concerti for organ and orchestra. Rejoicing in melody, mixing rumbustious vigour with lightness of touch, this is a brand new dance to greet the millennium with a positive air. A Sudden Exit - is set to [Brahms]' Intermezzi and Rhapsodies from Opus 118 and 119. Full of sadness and resignation these pieces are Brahms at his finest. This extraordinary music balancing an almost imporvised spontaneity with a sureness of structure and finely judged detail , is the inspiration for an intimate dance about deep affection - affection tinged with regret. The programme also inlcludes a new production of Alston's smash hit Rouchcut, made in 1990 when he was director of [Rambert Dance Company]. Set to Steve Reich's shimmering New York and Electric Counterpoints for clarinet and guitar.
22 Feb 00 to 23 Feb 00Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L01918560377

T1691880379

[Richard Alston] brings the world premiere of a new work danced to [Handel]'s concerti for organ and orchestra. The sheer exuberance of this glorious Baroque music has inspired Alston to get his whole company to move. Rejoicing in melody, mixing rumbustious vigour with lightness of touch, this is a dance to greet the new millennium with a positive air. The programme also includes two of Alston's biggest recent hits, Red Run, Slow Airs, All of Them
15 Feb 00 to 16 Feb 00Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L719272162

T1138754452

Red Run, A Sudden Exit and RoughcutMusic Heiner Goebbesl. Music Brahms. Music Steve Reich. Choreographer Richard Alston. Performer Lee Clayden. Performer Diana Loosmore. Performer David McCormick. Performer Amanda Weaver. Performer Khamlane Halsackda. Performer Martin Lawrence. Performer Pari Naderi. Performer Jason Piper. Performer Rachel Salt.
9 Feb 00 to 10 Feb 00Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L1427830060
18 Nov 99 to 19 Nov 99Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L0585440921
12 Nov 99 to 13 Nov 99Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester :: V489
listing details L1406269475
2 Nov 99 to 3 Nov 99Churchill Theatre, Bromley :: V302
listing details L01192557927
8 Oct 99 to 9 Oct 99Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L01376098113

T1162809522

Red Run, Slow Airs (Almost All), Roughcut
5 Feb 00Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage :: V53
listing details L0119452907

T0243866084

Roughcut, Red Run, A Sudden Exit
2 Dec 99 to 3 Dec 99Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L1273737831

T01020989445

Beyond Measure, Light Flooding Into Darkened Room, Rumours, Visions
10 Apr 99Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon Theatre), Brecon :: V1067
listing details L819645518
19 Mar 99 to 20 Mar 99Epsom Playhouse, Epsom :: V699
listing details L763625020

Beyond Measure / Movements from Petrushka/Waltzes in Disorder - T01848801354

23 Mar 99 to 24 Mar 99Theatre Royal, Norwich :: V72
listing details L618849610

T1067924258

Brisk Singing, Red Run, Slow Airs, All of Them
16 Mar 99Capitol Horsham (formerly Horsham Arts Centre), Horsham :: V723
listing details L1301760680
5 Mar 99 to 6 Mar 99Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L0355154658
5 Mar 99 to 6 Mar 99Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L382325470
19 Feb 99 to 20 Feb 99Blackpool Grand Theatre, Blackpool :: V518
listing details L01582015767
19 Feb 99 to 20 Feb 99Blackpool Grand Theatre, Blackpool :: V518
listing details L0900750464

T0189819915

Movements from Petrushka, Red Run, Walzes in Disorder
10 Mar 99 to 13 Mar 99Southbank Centre, West End :: V423
listing details L1092041936
1 Dec 98 to 2 Dec 98Gardner Arts Centre, Brighton :: V653
listing details L0812046796
13 Nov 98 to 14 Nov 98Arts Theatre, Cambridge :: V19
listing details L01288563739
6 Nov 98 to 7 Nov 98Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester :: V489
listing details L01847485445

T347321939

Waltzes in Disorder
13 Feb 99Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage :: V53
listing details L1734797962
13 Feb 99Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage :: V53
listing details L2006451891
3 Feb 99Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L0426785002

T1321740799

Brisk Singiing, Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms, Rumours, Visions
9 Feb 99 to 10 Feb 99Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L677446940
9 Feb 99 to 10 Feb 99Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L1163967580

T349108532

Triple bill. Music, both live and recorded, ranges from French Baroque to Japanese contemporary. Brisk Singing, and Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms, Rumours and Visions
20 Nov 98 to 21 Nov 98Malvern Theatres, Malvern :: V01718852442
listing details L0589764642
8 Oct 98 to 9 Oct 98Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L01699436471
4 Mar 98 to 7 Mar 98Southbank Centre, West End :: V423
listing details L01428280947
4 Mar 98 to 7 Mar 98The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L42486853
31 Jan 98Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage :: V53
listing details L1548486299
28 Jan 98Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L1429063581

T100466406

Brisk Singing, Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms, Rumours, Visions. Brisk Singing celebrates the music of Jean Philippe Rameau, genius of the French Baroque. Alston has created an uplifting work for his whold company carried along by the urgent rhythms and lightness of spirit in Rameau's music, surelys some of the most joyous ever written for dance. Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms delves into the inner feelings, the private thoughts, of individuals in intimate encounter. The work is accompanied by sublime lute pieces from the 17th century master Denis Gaultier and Ars Brevis, a contemporary work for mandolin by the Japanese composer Jo Kondo. Rumours,Visions portrays the short but turbulent life of Arthur Rimbaud reflected in the fantastic imagery of his extraordinary poetry. Aged just sixteen, Rimbaud ran away to Paris to join the older poet Paul Verlaine and the intensity of their love affair fuelled wild visions and strange dreams. In Rumour, Visions, Alston takes images from the poet's life and work and blends them with Benjamin Britten's sensuous, ecstatic setting of Rimbau's Les Illuminations.
13 Oct 98 to 14 Oct 98Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L01820610012
8 Oct 98 to 9 Oct 98The Place Theatre, Inner London :: V240
listing details L01253115247

T01957644162

Orpheus Singing and Dreaming with music by [Harrison Birtwistle]. Okho with percussive score by [Iannis Xanakis] and Rumours, Visions to music by [Benjamin Britten].
1 Mar 97Richmond Theatre, Outer London :: V327
listing details L201900296
5 Feb 97 to 6 Feb 97Oxford Playhouse, Oxford :: V803
listing details L1452483291
28 Jan 97 to 29 Jan 97Northern Stage, Newcastle upon Tyne :: V568
listing details L01220418052

Other listings

5 Nov 19New Victoria Theatre, Woking :: V709
listing details L1750153644
27 Sep 19 to 28 Sep 19Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L1834292380
7 Feb 19New Theatre, Oxford :: V802
listing details L0590191940
9 Oct 18Theatre Royal, Brighton :: V657
listing details L208012759
23 Nov 17Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L0810539724
10 Oct 17Theatre Royal, Brighton :: V657
listing details L0965059421
3 Oct 17New Victoria Theatre, Woking :: V709
listing details L2104472260
23 Nov 16New Victoria Theatre, Woking :: V709
listing details L1443673642
3 Nov 16Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623
listing details L170251763
8 Oct 16Theatre Royal, Brighton :: V657
listing details L01740693663
23 Sep 16Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600
listing details L1075300451
10 May 16New Wimbledon Theatre, Outer London :: V341
listing details L0814495718
5 Feb 15Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury :: V1452754579
listing details L1608377028
25 Nov 08Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L2110671360
24 Jun 08Theatre Royal Wakefield, Wakefield :: V979
listing details L998585252
27 Nov 07Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe :: V749
listing details L1687191857
9 Mar 07 to 10 Mar 07Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L0538976947
2 Dec 05 to 3 Dec 05Theatre Royal, Bath :: V854
listing details L973285526
26 Jan 05Brighton Dome, Brighton :: V655
listing details L02092852260
22 Jan 04 to 23 Jan 04Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L0471467323
16 Oct 01 to 17 Oct 01Royal & Derngate, Northampton :: V449
listing details L01759132546
3 Nov 00Theatr Brycheiniog (Brecon Theatre), Brecon :: V1067
listing details L1743686191
16 Mar 99The Hawth, Crawley :: V720
listing details L0245242576
23 Jan 97Playhouse, Nottingham :: V457
listing details L01287293191
15 Nov 96 to 16 Nov 96Wyvern Theatre, Swindon :: V928
listing details L355774169
15 Oct 96 to 16 Oct 96Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury :: V674
listing details L0996280553
CORONAVIRUS: All UK venues closed on 16th March 2020, restrictions were lifted on 19th July 2021. Please note that iUKTDb archive listings between March 2020 and July 2021 may not be accurate as we did not receive details of all rescheduled and cancelled shows.

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