Simon Bennison News Today

A ballet of The Divine Comedy at Royal Opera House is a beatific coalition of choreography, sound and set – preview it here, with exclusive photographs from Mary McCartney

With a potent and varied score from Thomas Adès, vibrant choreography from Wayne McGregor, and intruguing design from Tacita Dean, The Dante Project captures the attention despite the assumption audiences know who's who in this revered Italian narrative poem. The Dante Project is fierce yet tender, and the technical aspects are superb.

The Royal Ballet presents revivals of two contrasting yet sublime one act ballets. The abstract nature of Anemoi is ethereal and makes for an enthralling ballet. The Cellist is a commission by the Royal Ballet, Choreographed by Cathy Marston. Marston’s skills are a masterclass in clear balletic storytelling'

★★★★☆Following the mystical composer Alexander Scriabin’s prescriptions, if the Philharmonia Orchestra had decided to perform his enormous but unfinished Myster

Wayne McGregor, Thomas Adès and Tacita Dean’s dream-team Divine Comedy is a fitting farewell to its star, Edward Watson

Throughout the month of October The Royal Opera House will present live-streamed performances featuring artists from both The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, alongside a range of archival content and dedicated social media takeovers from our global community of Black creatives and performers. 

Dante Alighieri is frequently said to be the Italian William Shakspeare, and he certainly is in many aspects. Often pictured from his side - with prominent nose, laurel crown, and red tunic becoming the stars of his portraits - he somewhat invented the Italian language before modern Italy was even conceived as an ideal. The English wouldn’t meet their Bard for a further two centuries.

The choreographer and artist discuss creating The Dante Project for the Royal Ballet – and their own visions of heaven and hell

Dublin Theatre Festival: Conor Lovett leads Gare St Lazare Ireland’s filmed production