This July, the Royal Opera House is delighted to host a unique event celebrating the 75th birthday of former Royal Ballet Principal dancer, and celebrity of stage and screen, Wayne Sleep. With a performance by the ‘pocket Apollo’ himself, and a lineup of guests that includes Dame Felicity Lott, this afternoon of entertainment is not to be missed.
Distinctively diminutive in stature and larger than life in personality, Sleep rose quickly through the ranks at The Royal Ballet, winning the hearts of the nation with his brilliant technique and charismatic presence. Over five decades, he brought the exhilarating and transformative power of dance to audiences across the globe, showcasing his virtuoso skills as a performer, director, choreographer and philanthropist.
At the Company, many roles were created for him by noted choreographers Frederick Ashton, Kenneth MacMillan, Ninette de Valois, Rudolf Nureyev, Gillian Lynne and John Neumeier. These included George Robertson Sinclair in Enigma Variations, Kolia in A Month in the Country, the leading revolutionary in Anastasia, the Beggar Chief in Manon and a part in Elite Syncopations. Among his theatrical accolades, he created the role of Mister Mistoffelees in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats and performed the Emcee in Gillian Lynne's West End production of Cabaret. His dance show Dash was the first company to combine all four dance disciplines of ballet, tap, jazz and contemporary under the same roof in one performance. On television and through his Wayne Sleep Foundation, he has continuously championed dance for all.
The 75th birthday celebration will reflect on the many highlights of his remarkable career, and is a co-production between The Royal Ballet, Janie Dee and the Wayne Sleep Foundation.
