Dance legend Carlos Acosta returns to Mayflower Theatre stage this summer

Norwich Theatre and Valid Productions today have announced that they will remount and tour On Before, an intimate evening of dance conceived, directed, and performed by legendary star of the dance world: Carlos Acosta CBE.

The production will see Acosta return to Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre on August 3 and 4 2021. Originally conceived in 2010, On Before has been hailed as his most personal work to date. Charting a man and woman’s doomed relationship, the piece will feature choreography from world renowned artists including Russell Maliphant, Kim Brandstrup and Will Tuckett alongside Acosta’s own. 

On Before sees Acosta perform both solo and with Laura Rodriguez, a founding member of his Cuban dance company Acosta Danza. The show features an eclectic mix of musical styles: everything from Handel to contemporary courtesy of Cuban composer Omar Puente. The finale will feature moving performance of Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium from a live choir.

The announcement has come at a pivotal time as theatres across the country prepare to welcome audiences back full scale.

On Before has been made possible through support from the Culture Recovery Fund, and of the venture Acosta said: “On Before is one of the most special shows I have ever created or danced and holds a place in my heart like no other. I have received incredible support from audiences and venues around the UK over many years and I know how difficult the past year has been for them and our whole sector. I am thrilled to be sharing this show that is personally so important to me with them in a shared act of resilience and optimism.”

Tickets for the Southampton dates of On Before will go on sale from 13 May here.

Keep your eyes peeled for other UK touring dates, Besties.