Jonathan Goddard will head the cast of A Single Man when The Royal Ballet’s production of Christopher Isherwood’s novel comes to the Royal Opera House this September.
Isherwood’s novel is adapted by director and choreographer Jonathan Watkins, who is set to transform the source material into an original contemporary ballet in collaboration with singer-songwriter John Grant and composer Jasmin Kent Rodgman.
George is grieving after the sudden death of his long-term partner Jim. He wonders if life is still worth living and spends his day looking for ways to connect with the people around him. But there is another George: one who loves life. Can he reconcile these two parts of himself? Will a chance encounter remind him of joy?
Isherwood’s 1964 novel follows George, a gay, middle-aged professor navigating life in 1960s California. Widely recognised as a pioneering work of twentieth-century fiction, the novel was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film by fashion designer Tom Ford starring Colin Firth.
Dancer, choreographer and movement director Goddard will dance the central role of George in the London performances
The full company includes Harry Alexander, Naia Bautista, Laura Careless, Felicity Chadwick, Winnie Dias, Elle Fierce, James Hay (Royal Ballet First Soloist), Chester Hayes, Greig Matthews, Kristen McNally (Royal Ballet Principal Character Artist), Marie Astrid Mence, Nina Murphy and James Stephens.
Grant has composed seven new songs for the production, performed live by him on stage at every performance accompanied by five musicians from the Manchester Collective and fused with compositions by Rodgman.
Weaving together a choreographic blend of ballet and contemporary dance from Jonathan Watkins, the creative team features original costume concepts by Holly Waddington (Poor Things) and costume designer Eleanor Bull, set designer Chiara Stephenson, lighting designer Simisola Majekodunmi and Sound Designer Emma Laxton.
Produced by The Royal Ballet and Factory International, A Single Man plays at Manchester’s Aviva Studios from July 2-6 (with Ed Watson as George on all dates except July 5), before moving to the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre with Goddard centre stage from September 8-20 (and July 5).
Bookings for London open on July 2 here.
Top image: Credit Rick Guest (image supplied)
ENDS
For further information please contact Bread and Butter PR
Ben Wooldridge – [email protected]
Maisie Lawrence – [email protected]
Alex Hall – [email protected]
LISTINGS
A Single Man
A Royal Ballet and Factory International co-production
Based on the book by Christopher Isherwood
Aviva Studios
2 – 6 July 2025
Press Night: Thursday 3 July
Royal Opera House, Linbury Theatre
8 – 20 September 2025
CREATIVE CREDITS
Director & Choreographer Jonathan Watkins
Original Score Jasmin Kent Rodgman
Original Songs John Grant
Music Director & Arranger Fiona Brice
Set Designer Chiara Stephenson
Costume Designers Eleanor Bull and Holly Waddington
Lighting Designer Simisola Majekodunmi
Sound Designer Emma Laxton
Dramaturg Luke Pell
Musicians Manchester Collective