Ballet Nights

On 18 March 2026, the Theatre Royal Brighton will host Ballet Nights, a production that steps away from the traditional full-length ballet format in favour of a curated variety show. The evening is designed to be quite informal, with the show’s founder and director, Jamiel Devernay-Laurence, serving as a compère. He stays on stage to guide the audience through the different pieces, which helps break down the "intimidation factor" sometimes felt with classical dance. It’s a setup that prioritises a mix of styles, bringing together classical masterpieces and modern choreography in a single programme.

The performers involved come from a range of backgrounds, most notably Steven McRae, a principal at the Royal Ballet, and Constance Devernay-Laurence of the London City Ballet. The international guest Denys Cherevychko is also part of the cast, alongside contemporary groups such as BlacBrik, Ekleido, and Pett|Clausen-Knight. A highlight of the scheduled pieces is 'I Married Myself', a work by the renowned choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE. To accompany the movement, Quartet Concrete provides live music, ensuring the sound is as much a part of the experience as the dance itself.

In terms of the logistics, the show runs for approximately one hour and 50 minutes, including a 20-minute interval for a break. Tickets for the Brighton date are currently available, with prices starting at £27 and going up to £97. The production is aimed at a broad audience—from those who regularly attend the theatre to people who might just be curious about seeing world-class dance without the usual formalities. According to the director, no previous knowledge of ballet is required to follow the programme; the focus is simply on being open to the different artistic styles on display. It’s a one-off opportunity to see this specific collection of artists and musicians together at the Theatre Royal before the tour continues across the UK.