A new ballet based on the work of Black Sabbath is being created in Birmingham.
The Birmingham Royal Ballet will perform the new production at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 23rd and 30th September.
The three-act production is the brainchild of artistic director Carlos Acosta and will feature hits such as Paranoid, Ironman, War Pigs, Solitude and Laguna Sunrise.
The music will be re-orchestrated for the Royal Ballet Sinfonia with new compositions inspired by Black Sabbath also performed live.
Carlos said the idea of a Black Sabbath Ballet had been on his mind since he arrived in Birmingham in 2020.
“Black Sabbath is probably Birmingham’s biggest export, the most famous – and infamous – cultural entity to ever emerge from the city, so I was naturally drawn to the idea of a collaboration between what most people might think are the most unlikely of partners,” he said.
“The band’s enthusiasm for the project is a huge endorsement. They are putting their trust in us to deliver something completely new and original, and that’s quite a responsibility but one that we are beyond excited to take on.
“Everyone in the company is thrilled to be involved and we cannot wait to share the vision for the show in more detail in the coming months.”
Black Sabbath co-founder Tony Iommi said: “I’m looking forward to seeing how this all develops.
“Black Sabbath have always been innovators and never been predictable, and it doesn’t come any more unpredictable than this.
“I’d never imagined pairing Black Sabbath with ballet, but it’s got a nice ring to it.
“I’ve met with Carlos several times and his enthusiasm is infectious. I performed alongside some of the dancers at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony and they had an incredible energy, so I’m happy to go along for the ride with them.”
