Birmingham Royal Ballet has released new production images for the ongoing UK tour of Carlos Acosta’s acclaimed staging of Don Quixote. The tour follows the company’s hugely successful 2025 autumn run of Black Sabbath – The Ballet, which played to more than 42,000 audience members.
The UK’s leading touring ballet company presents Don Quixote across four venues this spring, beginning with Birmingham Hippodrome where the production runs until 21 February 2026. The tour then visits The Lowry in Salford, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Mayflower Theatre Southampton and London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Carlos Acosta first premiered his vibrant, sun‑drenched production of Don Quixote in 2022 to widespread audience and critical acclaim. The revival brings back the vivid choreography and lavish staging that made the original such a success.
The 2022 production was filmed for cinema and broadcast on BBC TV, where it has now been viewed by over 95,000 people.
Featuring Cervantes’ iconic characters including Don Quixote, Kitri, Basilio and Sancho Panza, the ballet follows the knight’s whimsical quest for chivalric love. The story unfolds through high‑spirited choreography, energetic ensemble moments and sweeping romantic scenes.
Carlos Acosta said, “It is a real joy to be reviving Don Quixote for UK audiences in 2026, bringing the heat of the Spanish sunshine to kick-start spring time. This production features everything from daring dance and cape-twirling matadors to beautiful costumes and stunning scenery.
“As always, Birmingham Royal Ballet remains committed to bringing the very best of ballet to venues across the UK, ensuring audiences across the country have access to leading and entertaining dance from some of the world’s finest artists, including our guest dancers from National Ballet of Canada, a very special treat for our Birmingham audiences.”
The production features music by Ludwig Minkus, choreography by Carlos Acosta after Marius Petipa, production design by Acosta, designs by Tim Hatley, lighting by Peter Mumford and staging by Christopher Saunders.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
