The Royal Ballet and Factory International have unveiled first-look rehearsal images for the world premiere of A Single Man, a new contemporary ballet adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s 1964 novel.
Directed and choreographed by Jonathan Watkins, A Single Man will debut at Aviva Studios from 2–6 July 2025 as part of Manchester International Festival. The production will then transfer to the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre from 8–20 September.
Jonathan Watkins brings Isherwood’s poetic and complex story to life through dance, collaborating with singer-songwriter John Grant and composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman.
Ed Watson, former Royal Ballet Principal, will perform the role of George in Manchester, except on Saturday 5 July when Jonathan Goddard takes over the role. Goddard will also perform as Jim throughout the run.
The cast includes Harry Alexander, Naia Bautista, Laura Careless, Felicity Chadwick, Winnie Dias, Elle Fierce, James Hay, Chester Hayes, Greig Matthews, Kristen McNally, Marie Astrid Mence, Nina Murphy and James Stephens.
John Grant has composed seven new songs for the production, which he will perform live on stage alongside musicians from Manchester Collective. These songs are fused with Rodgman’s original score.
John Grant says: “When Jonathan Watkins got in touch to ask me to write songs for a production of Christopher Isherwood’s A Single Man, I was certainly intrigued. I had seen Tom Ford’s excellent film adaption of the book, but never read it myself. So I did just that and I have to say I was completely blown away and I still can’t believe it took more than 56 years to get to it. I don’t remember ever having had it recommended to me which puzzles me. After meeting with Jonathan and hearing him speak about his passion and vision for the project I knew I had to have a part in interpreting this masterpiece for the stage. It is truly an honour.”
Jasmin Kent Rodgman adds: “Jonathan Watkins’ artistic vision and approach in translating groundbreaking stories for dance and the stage are second to none. I was so excited when he approached me to score his adaptation of A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood. It’s devastatingly witty, searing and tender, all at once. It’s an honour to breathe musical life into this seminal queer work on grief, love and being human. Shaping this ballet together, fusing my score with songs from the inimitable John Grant–I think we’ve created something incredibly special here. I can’t wait for the world to see and hear what the whole team has been dreaming up.”
Jonathan Watkins says: “This poetic novel is an inspiring and complex story of the human experience and what it means to be alive. It’s this and Isherwood’s approach to the relationship between mind and body that gives me the reasons to imagine it using dance narrative and song. Bringing the minds’ voice out in the production with the incredible singer-songwriter John Grant is a dream come true. To weave these new songs with the sound world of the brilliant composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman and work in collaboration with a highly talented group of dance artists and creatives to achieve this vision is truly an honour.
I am passionate about Queer* stories being represented on the stage in this way and proud that the production is included in the wonderful creative activity that is Manchester International Festival.”
The creative team includes costume designer Eleanor Bull, original costume concepts by Oscar-winner Holly Waddington, set designer Chiara Stephenson, lighting designer Simisola Majekodunmi, and sound designer Emma Laxton.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
