Update: The venue for this production has changed to Sadler’s Wells East
Philippe Lafeuille is the choreographer and artistic director behind TUTU, the award‑winning dance production from Chicos Mambo now returning to London. The show plays at the Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells’ home of dance and entertainment in the West End.
Featuring an all‑male cast of six dancers, TUTU combines virtuosic technique with sharp parody, affectionately dismantling the traditions of ballet and contemporary dance. From hip‑hop Swan Lake to unexpected pop culture references, Lafeuille’s choreography celebrates dance in all its forms while keeping audiences laughing.
TUTU runs at Sadler’s Wells East from 11 to 15 February 2026, with tickets available here.
You’re bringing TUTU to the Peacock Theatre at Sadler’s Wells. What can you tell us about the show?
TUTU is a journey of homage into the world of dance. Its originality lies in its combination of dance and humour, a rare combination in dance shows.
TUTU is a show for a wide audience, especially for those who think dance isn’t for them because they don’t understand its nuances. It is a joyful, feel-good show that invites you to dance.
As choreographer and artistic director of Chicos Mambo, what was the original spark behind TUTU, and how did the idea of parodying classical dance begin?
In 2014, when I created TUTU, it coincided with the company’s 30th anniversary, so I wanted to celebrate this milestone with what best characterizes my work: making dance a comedy.
TUTU isn’t just classical ballet; it features many different dance styles. My aim was to showcase dance in all its diversity and richness and, beyond parody, to demonstrate that the body is a dancing instrument with countless possibilities.
And always, to make dance, with a capital D, accessible to as many people as possible.
The show blends high-level dance technique with comedy and theatrical absurdity. How do you balance humour with maintaining technical excellence on stage?
The essence of the show is choreographic and therefore demanding. I’ve danced all my life and I still have that same high standard, even though I’m now directing.
I respect this art form more than anything in the world; it’s my passion, so dance comes first, followed by theatre and clowning. For the classical dance portion of the show, for example, the dancer is on pointe in a tutu, and I wanted the audience to be immersed in a truly classical ballet, with perfectly executed classical technique.
I play with the conventions a bit, but I know them. A technically rigorous interpretation is essential for credibility.
TUTU playfully challenges gender norms and traditional expectations of dance. How important is that element within the choreography and overall vision of the piece?
I gently challenge norms and traditions. Perhaps in this show I’m simply trying to say that dance shouldn’t take itself too seriously.
The concept of gender is a current debate, but one that, for me, has no place in dance, because for me, dance is genderless; dance calls to both masculine and feminine forms. It wasn’t an important element for me because it was already obvious.
Chicos Mambo is a company of male dancers who have been making people laugh through their dancing since the beginning. I see my dancers more as cartoon characters, polymorphic and multifaceted.
The production has toured internationally for more than a decade and is now returning to London. How has TUTU evolved over time, particularly in response to different audiences?
The show hasn’t changed at all since the beginning. I’d be crazy to change a formula that works, and I’d even say is a triumph.
There’s no need to adapt it for foreign countries because I deal with universal themes, and I believe that dance, in particular, is a universal language that can speak to everyone.
What makes me truly happy is when I discover that the humor I offer is perfectly understood and appreciated everywhere. I’m very proud to see that TUTU brings together such a wide audience all over the world, from Taiwan to Canada.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see TUTU?
Come to be TUTUfied. It’s a unique experience you won’t forget, and overall you will have a big smile on your face after the show.
In these difficult times, where everything is controversial and polarized, TUTU is a show that makes you feel good.
TUTU runs from 11 – 15 February Sadler’s Wells East London. For more information and to book tickets, please click here.
