Birmingham Royal Ballet has released first-look production shots from their sold-out world premiere production of Black Sabbath – The Ballet, which continues performances at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 30 September.
From L to R: Carlos Acosta, Sharon Osbourne and Tony Iommi (credit Jas Sansi)
The Company were joined on opening night by legendary Black Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi for a special curtain call performance. Guests on the purple carpet at the opening night included Sharon Osbourne, Black Sabbath drummer Geezer Butler, Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, ELO’s Bev Bevan and BRB Director, Carlos Acosta.
Rock gods Bev Bevan and Robert Plant were also in attendance
Following performances in Black Sabbath’s hometown of Birmingham, Black Sabbath – The Ballet then tours to Plymouth Theatre Royal 12-14 October and London’s Sadler’s Wells – 18-21 October. Tickets for all performances are sold-out, but please check the theatre website regularly for returns. Over 60% of tickets in Birmingham have been sold to audiences who have never attended a ballet before.
The Company were joined by legendary Black Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi
Black Sabbath – The Ballet is the second Birmingham-focussed commission from Carlos Acosta. The first, City of a Thousand Trades which looked at the city’s industrial heritage and multicultural communities, premiered in 2021.
Black Sabbath – The Ballet
The idea of a Black Sabbath ballet has been on Carlos Acosta’s mind since he first arrived in Birmingham at the start of 2020, just before the pandemic hit. Black Sabbath played their first ever gig in The Crown pub just a stone’s throw from Birmingham Royal Ballet’s base on Thorp Street. The pub was recently saved from demolition and is deemed a heritage site by fans
