Acosta Danza brings Carlos Acosta’s Carmen to Manchester Opera House in 2026

Wednesday, 19 November 2025 15:50

By David Murphy

Acclaimed ballet star Carlos Acosta will bring his powerful new interpretation of Carmen to Manchester next spring, as part of a nationwide tour marking the tenth anniversary of his dance company, Acosta Danza.

The production will arrive at the Opera House, Manchester, for a four-night run from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 April 2026. It follows a successful UK premiere in July 2024 and reimagines the classic story of love, jealousy and betrayal in a bold, contemporary setting.

Inspired by Bizet’s enduring opera and Prosper Mérimée’s original 1845 novella, Carmen tells the story of Don José, a soldier who falls hopelessly in love with the free-spirited Carmen. His obsessive love soon spirals into tragedy when Carmen turns her attention to the confident toreador Escamillo.

This new version, created by Acosta himself, strips the story back to its emotional core while retaining Bizet’s iconic music and the passionate energy of the original. The score features both Bizet’s well-known melodies and Rodion Shchedrin’s dramatic ballet adaptation, with favourites like the Toreador Song, Habanera and Flower Song remaining at the heart of the production.

Carlos Acosta said:

“I am delighted to be touring my production of Carmen in 2026. It brings together a world-class creative team and striking visual projections to complement the intensity of the music and performance. I’m incredibly proud of how our dancers bring this story to life on stage.”

The creative team includes award-winning designer Tim Hatley, lighting designer Peter Mumford and video designer Nina Dunn, whose digital work adds depth and atmosphere to the production. The cast features a 20-strong ensemble of dancers from across Cuba and beyond, including guest artist Alejandro Silva.

Carlos Acosta rose from humble beginnings in Havana to become the youngest ever principal dancer at English National Ballet at just 18. After joining the Royal Ballet in 1998, he became a household name in British dance and was awarded a CBE in 2014. He founded Acosta Danza in 2015 and has served as director of Birmingham Royal Ballet since 2020.

Acosta Danza’s Carmen continues a legacy of internationally acclaimed performances that fuse classical ballet with contemporary dance and Cuban culture.

Tickets are available via the ATG Website here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/carlos-acostas-carmen/opera-house-manchester/