The Royal Ballet has announced a landmark residency for Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor, titled Alchemies, running from 18 April to 6 May 2026. Following the news that McGregor is to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Dance Award at this year’s Olivier Awards, the programme serves as a timely celebration of a visionary whose career has been defined by "boundless imagination and collaborative spirit."
A World Premiere of Sound and Style
At the heart of the triple bill is a highly anticipated world premiere, McGregor’s first new work for the Company since 2024’s MADDADDAM. The piece features a striking cross-disciplinary collaboration with British composer Bushra El-Turk, whose score will be brought to life by the dynamic British-Chinese percussionist Beibei Wang.
Adding a unique aesthetic dimension, the work features designs by acclaimed British fashion designer Saul Nash. A choreographer and movement director in his own right, Nash utilizes his background in technical garments to bridge the worlds of dance and high fashion. On opening night, the stage will feature a host of talent including William Bracewell, Melissa Hamilton, and Joseph Sissens.
Reviving Modern Masterpieces
Alchemies also marks the first revival of two pivotal McGregor works:
Yugen (2018): Created for the Leonard Bernstein Centenary, this work is a response to the haunting Chichester Psalms. It features a stunning minimalist set by ceramicist and author Edmund de Waal, with costumes by Iranian-British designer Shirin Guild. The revival will be led by Principal dancers Matthew Ball and Sarah Lamb, alongside Lauren Cuthbertson and Ryoichi Hirano.
Untitled, 2023:* Inspired by the late artist Carmen Herrera, this piece represents McGregor’s first and last collaboration with the legendary painter. Set to a score of "ferocity and desolation" by Anna Thorvaldsdottir, the production features costumes by Burberry under the creative direction of Daniel Lee. Opening night leads include Principals Fumi Kaneko, Anna Rose O'Sullivan, and Calvin Richardson.
