REVIEW - BLACK SABBATH – THE BALLET | BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET | THE LOWRY | 09/10/2025

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET's BLACK SABBATH – THE BALLET IS A BOLD FUSION OF METAL AND MOVEMENT

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Black Sabbath - The Ballet is an ambitious fusion of two of Birmingham’s most iconic cultural exports: ballet and heavy metal. Directed by the ever-visionary Carlos Acosta, this daring collaboration between the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the founding fathers of metal themselves, Black Sabbath, has been a sell-out success across the UK and is now rocking Europe before heading to the US.

With its mix of live guitar, orchestral reimaginings of Sabbath classics, and expressive dance, this production aims to bridge the gap between classical and contemporary audiences. It’s a bold experiment and one that’s as fascinating as it is unpredictable.

Divided into three acts, each from a different choreographer, Black Sabbath - The Ballet loosely follows the band’s journey and influence from the origins of heavy metal to the devotion of its fans. Rather than a linear narrative, the show unfolds as a series of visual and emotional vignettes, each inspired by a different aspect of Black Sabbath’s music and legacy.

While this fragmented structure offers moments of brilliance, it also leaves you craving a clearer through-line. Still, when it works, it’s a captivating love letter to both the band and the city that birthed them.

The minimalist staging feels fitting for a piece about raw expression. Stark lighting boxes, dry ice, and projections evoke the grit and mystique of Black Sabbath’s world, while bursts of colour and metallic tones illuminate the more theatrical moments. The costumes evolve from leotards and leather jackets to denim and band tees reflecting the collision of two contrasting cultures.

Musically, the show soars. Sabbath classics like War Pigs, Iron Man, and Paranoid are transformed by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia into lush, cinematic orchestrations that bring new life to familiar riffs. The addition of live guitarist Marc Hayward gives the production its edge, though his presence occasionally distracts from the dancers. It’s in the quieter moments, such as the beautiful pas de deux to Solitude, that the music and movement achieve perfect harmony.

The choreography varies in tone and quality across the three acts. Raúl Reinoso’s opening act, with its classical movements softened by rock sensibilities, feels underpowered at times though moments like Tzu-Chao Chou’s dynamic solo show just how strong the concept can be.

One of the most memorable moments comes in this act a passionate pas de deux set to the ballad Solitude. Yaoqian Shang and Javier Rojas remain locked in a kiss throughout, contorting gracefully into an array of sculptural poses and fluid stretches. It’s a surprisingly tender highlight proof that even a ballet built on heavy metal can have a soft centre.

Cassi Abranches’ second act brings more energy, with freestyle flair and storytelling through interviews and movement, though it occasionally slips into chaos. Pontus Lidberg’s final act pulls everything together, celebrating the fans with an upbeat, festival-like finale that had the audience grinning, even if the choreography itself remained safe rather than groundbreaking.

The cast of Birmingham Royal Ballet are as committed as ever, bringing impressive athleticism and sincerity to a show that demands both grace and grit. Tzu-Chao Chou stands out for his powerful presence and technical mastery, while Céline Gittens deliver a sleek, soulful performance. Yaoqian Shang and Javier Rojas shine in their heartfelt duet, creating one of the evening’s most memorable moments.

The ensemble deserves huge credit too this is a physically relentless production, and every dancer gives it their all.

Black Sabbath - The Ballet is an intriguing experiment that doesn’t always hit the high notes but earns respect for its ambition and creativity. The fusion of heavy metal and ballet may sound improbable, yet it works more often than it falters. While the choreography can feel repetitive and the narrative abstract, there’s undeniable energy and artistry on display.

This is a ballet that dares to push boundaries even if it doesn’t quite perfect the blend. Still, with its electric atmosphere, bold music, and passionate performances, it’s a night that will leave audiences talking long after the final chord fades.

A ballet that doesn’t just dance - it headbangs!

Black Sabbath - The Ballet is at The Lowry until Saturday 11th October 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - David Polston

*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review