'Phantoms of the Popera' starring G4
Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
8 March 2027 to 29 March 2027 (selected dates)
Birmingham Royal Ballet brings The Maiden of Venice to Sunderland Empire with Acosta's reimagined La Bayadere and live Minkus score. Book tickets.
Birmingham Royal Ballet brings Carlos Acosta's The Maiden of Venice to Sunderland Empire, a reimagining of the 19th-century ballet La Bayadère set in Renaissance Venice. Ludwig Minkus's original score is performed live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. The production runs approximately 2 hours 45 minutes.
Carlos Acosta relocates the narrative of La Bayadère to Renaissance Venice, recasting its central conflict around Admiral Sandro, who returns to Venice having agreed to marry the Doge's daughter. He discovers that Nicoletta, his childhood love, is about to take holy vows. When the two declare their feelings, Bishop Olivolo, himself in love with Nicoletta, overhears them and resolves to destroy Sandro. The source describes the story as one of love, lust, betrayal and murder.
The production retains Minkus's score, performed live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and includes the Kingdom of the Shades sequence. Designs are by Anna Fleischle.
The running time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. No age guidance is specified in the available information. Yu Kurihara is advertised in the role of Nicoletta.
These are the dates listed by ATG as checked on 21 September 2026. A date range may contain selected performances, rather than a show every day. Open your chosen venue link for exact times, seats and current prices.
| Venue | Town or city | Dates | Booking status | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland Empire | Sunderland | Thu 18 Mar 2027 - Sat 20 Mar 2027 | On sale | Book tickets |
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ATG lists a running time of 2 hours 45 minutes. Confirm the performance time and any interval information when booking.
Our venue guides cover getting there, seating and access information: Sunderland Empire. If you need accessible seating or an assisted performance, check the arrangements for that venue and date with ATG before booking.
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It is a new production that reimagines La Bayadère, a 19th-century classical ballet. Carlos Acosta moves the action to Renaissance Venice while retaining Ludwig Minkus's original score, played live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia.
The production runs approximately 2 hours 45 minutes at Sunderland Empire.
The designs are by Anna Fleischle.
Choose a venue from the dates table and follow its ATG Tickets link. You can then check performance times, available seats and the total price before paying.
Sunderland Empire: Thu 18 Mar 2027 - Sat 20 Mar 2027.
ATG Tickets sells the tickets and handles checkout, ticket delivery and booking support. British Theatre may earn a commission from these links.
4-5 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3EX
Sunderland is the nearest station and sits within a 10 minute walk of the theatre. The Tyne and Wear Metro also serves the city, and travel is free for up to two hours before and after the performance on production of a valid show ticket.
Bus routes passing the theatre include the 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139, 159 and 453.
The closest car park is The Bridges multi-storey, although its rooftop level has limited opening hours so it is worth checking before you set off. St Mary's and Riverside car parks are also close by. Blue Badge holders will find limited parking outside the Fire Station near the theatre, along with a drop-off area, and disabled bays on Paley Street, reached by following the one-way system along the left-hand side of the building. Traffic and parking are much busier on match days, so allow extra time.
Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
8 March 2027 to 29 March 2027 (selected dates)
Norman Bragg Studio, Aylesbury Waterside
15 November 2026 to 15 November 2026 (selected dates)
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent
18 January 2027 to 30 January 2027 (selected dates)
Birmingham Royal Ballet - The Maiden of Venice