Carlos Acosta ballet Carmen set for Opera House Manchester in April 2026

Acosta Danza will bring Carlos Acosta’s ballet adaptation of Carmen to Opera House Manchester from 22 to 25 April 2026 after the work premiered in the UK in 2024.

The production reimagines the nineteenth century story by Prosper Merimee and follows the relationship between Don Jose and Carmen. Don Jose becomes infatuated with her and abandons his duty to pursue her. Carmen later turns her attention to the toreador Escamillo which leaves Don Jose overwhelmed by jealousy.

This version of the story is presented with a pared back design that focuses on movement and character. The melodies from Bizet’s opera remain central to the performance with well known pieces such as the Habanera and the Toreador Song featuring in the score used for the ballet.

Carlos Acosta said he was pleased to return to the work. He explained that he had reunited with set and costume designer Tim Hatley and lighting designer Peter Mumford and had brought in video designer Nina Dunn to introduce visual projections for the tour.

The company will mark its tenth anniversary during the 2026 tour. Acosta Danza was founded by Acosta in 2015. Acosta was born in Havana in 1973 and began training at the age of nine. He became a principal dancer with English National Ballet at eighteen and joined the Royal Ballet in London in 1998. He was appointed CBE in 2014 and retired from classical ballet two years later. He has been director of Birmingham Royal Ballet since 2020.

The touring cast includes Adria Diaz, Amisaday Naara, Daniela Urgelles, Thalia Cardin, Cynthia Laffertte, Melisa Moreda, Wendy Friol, Ofelia Semanat, Carolina Castillo, Maria del Carmen, Heidy Diaz, Frank Isaac, Leandro Fernandez, Brandy Martinez, Alexander Arias, Aniel Pazos, Paul Brando, Anthony Silot, Edgar Zayas and guest artist Alejandro Silva.

The production will run for four performances at Opera House Manchester with tickets available via https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/carlos-acostas-carmen/opera-house-manchester/