The Maiden of Venice, Carlos Acosta’s groundbreaking reimagining of the 19th-century classic, La Bayadère, will receive its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome in September 2026.

The creation of this production is an important development for Birmingham Royal Ballet. The Company has never had a full-length La Bayadère in the repertory and performing it will showcase the virtuosity of the current dancers.

La Bayadère is extremely important in Ballet history, not least because of the incredibly beautiful and technically challenging Kingdom of the Shades scene. In recent times, the original narrative has become problematic, in both its themes and its recognised cultural appropriation. By moving the time and place from ancient India to Renaissance Venice, these sensitivities are removed in favour of the universal messages and richness of this precious work of art. This new setting is being brought to life through set and costume designer Anna Fleischle’s stunning designs with lighting design by Lucy Carter and new arrangements of Minkus’s score by Graham Sutherland.

Admiral Sandro returns victorious to Venice to prepare for his marriage to the daughter of the Doge. He learns that his childhood love, Nicola, is about to become a nun, and when they meet they declare their love for each other. Nicola’s guardian Bishop Olivolo overhears their declaration. The Bishop is also in love with Nicola and he vows to destroy Sandro.

A sumptuously reimagined new production by Carlos Acosta, The Maiden of Venice tells a powerful story of love, lust, betrayal and murder and set and costumes are designed by multi-award-winning designer Anna Fleischle, an internationally renowned creator of designs for theatre, opera and dance. Her design for Hangmen won her the Olivier Award, Evening Standard Award and Critics’ Circle Award for Best Design, and she was nominated for a Tony Award for its Broadway run. Anna will realise Carlos’s vision for the stage with beautiful costumes and stunning sets, specially designed for touring.

The Maiden of Venice will premiere at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 26 September to 3 October 2026. The official opening night will be Tuesday 29 September. Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 20 May. Further dates to be announced.