We never thought we’d live to see the day: two of Birmingham’s biggest exports come together at last in perfect harmony. Black Sabbath, pioneers of heavy metal and one of the greatest bands Birmingham and the UK has ever produced, and the world-renowned Birmingham Royal Ballet are cranking the volume on Birmingham’s musical legacy. With Black Sabbath The Ballet set to premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome this September.
Black Sabbath The Ballet is the brainchild of Birmingham Royal Ballet’s director, Carlos Acosta, and former Black Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi. This rocking performance will pay homage to Black Sabbath and feature thrilling ballet to their iconic tracks. Expect such classics as Paranoid and Iron Man to play, alongside full orchestrations of their hits and new orchestral compositions inspired by the sound of heavy metal – all performed by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
This is the second of three Birmingham-focussed commissions by Carlos Acosta, who has been a fan of the band since 2000. But he only conceived of the ballet after taking up residence in Birmingham, becoming Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2020. After a week of performances in our city, Black Sabbath The Musical will then tour Plymouth’s Theatre Royal and Sadler’s Wells in London.
This unique show, and odd coupling, features three composers and three choreographers, led by renowned choreographer Pontus Lidberg and composer Chris Austin. They have worked with award-winning writer Richard Thomas (best known for Jerry Springer: The Opera) to create this epic metal symphony. Black Sabbath themselves have also been closely involved in developing this unique collaboration.
There are seven performances taking place at the Birmingham Hippodrome between September 23 to 30. You can grab your tickets for this hair-raising experience now here.