Liam Francis Dance Company: Alchemy

The local dance scene is gearing up for a significant debut next month as the Liam Francis Dance Company brings its inaugural double bill, Alchemy, to the Corn Exchange at the Brighton Dome. Scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with the main show kicking off at 7:30 pm, this program is built around deep, personal themes of identity, community, and transformation. Liam Francis himself is a familiar face in Brighton, having previously developed work in Anita’s Room and hosted regular post-show Q&As here. Known for his background with Rambert Dance Company and his choreographic style that merges contemporary dance, ballet, and hip-hop, Francis is using this debut to explore complex human concepts through movement.

The Alchemy program is split into two distinct halves. The first, Lyre Liar, is a deeply personal solo performed by Francis, who was previously nominated for 'Dancer of the Year' by Dance Europe. This piece traces his journey through the dance world, incorporating extracts from works by major choreographers like Merce Cunningham and Kate Prince, examining the complexities and costs associated with shifting identities. Following this is A Body of Rumours, a dynamic and intimate quartet. This piece celebrates brotherhood and connection, featuring three young Black men united by rhythm and shared stories. The choreography here is a vibrant mix of ballet, hip hop, and contemporary forms, all set to live electronic music provided by Chloe Mason. The narrative arc moves from feelings of isolation and competition toward the joy of finding connection and moving in harmony.

Before the main event, the evening includes a short 10-minute 'curtain raiser' created by Liam Francis in collaboration with dance students from BHASVIC, focusing on notions of empathy and community support. The entire event is recommended for ages 12 and up. If you are planning to attend, tickets start from £17.50 for concessions and those under 26, with standard tickets priced at £20. For those interested in the critical reception, the work has been described as 'Full of expressive original character and a style of its own' by Bachtrack, suggesting this double bill offers something genuinely unique.