REVIEW - Birmingham Royal Ballet have taken something iconic and daring, and turned it into a masterpiece of movement, music and emotion

On Thursday, we went to Lowry to watch Birmingham Royal Ballet's Black Sabbath. Read what our reviewer, Lizzie Johnston thought about this amazing production...

As someone who loves Birmingham Royal Ballet, I’ve been lucky enough to see their stunning productions of Swan Lake and Cinderella in recent years. Their elegance, precision and ability to bring timeless classics to life is second to none. But when I first heard they were returning to Lowry with Black Sabbath The Ballet, I’ll admit I was intrigued and maybe a bit unsure. Heavy metal and ballet aren’t two art forms you’d naturally put together. But, it absolutely works.

This isn’t your typical ballet night at Lowry. From the moment the lights dimmed and that first heavy guitar riff echoed through the auditorium, you could feel the energy shift. The audience, a fascinating mix of ballet regulars and rock fans, buzzed with anticipation. And when the curtain lifted, we were thrown into a world where grace met grit.

The staging itself was surprisingly minimal, allowing the focus to fall on the incredible dancers and the pulse-pounding soundscape. Lighting and sound became the set making it immersive and moody. Each act was clearly differentiated through a costume change (though nothing too dramatic) and the intensity of light, getting brighter throughout the acts. It was a visual feast that mirrored the emotional highs and lows of Black Sabbath’s music perfectly.

As someone who’s familiar with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s traditional work, it was thrilling to see the company stretch themselves creatively. You could tell the dancers were having the time of their lives as their energy was infectious. There were still the moments of exquisite control and elegance you’d expect from Birmingham Royal Ballet, but layered with a rebellious edge. Pirouettes melted into headbangs, and more contemporary moves were used. It was ballet but not as we know it.

The choreography, led by Pontus Lidberg (Swedish Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet), was nothing short of genius. It captured the essence of Black Sabbath’s music, from the darkness and intensity, to the spirituality, while still staying true to the discipline and artistry of classical ballet. 

Of course, this production is also a heartfelt tribute to Birmingham’s own heavy metal legends. It wasn’t overt or sentimental, just beautifully done and a poignant reflection of Ozzy Osbourne’s influence and the band’s lasting impact. The audience’s reaction was pure emotion, with many heads banging throughout and everyone buzzing during the intervals.

The score itself is a seamless fusion of the iconic Black Sabbath tracks and orchestral arrangements. Hearing familiar riffs from songs like Paranoid and Iron Man reimagined with a live orchestra and layered into the movement of dance was an experience I’ll never forget. The raw power of the electric guitars balanced beautifully with the orchestra, creating a sound that was both haunting and exhilarating. A particular standout was the inclusion of guitarist Marc Hayward who joined the dancers on stage multiple times, and for these particular moments, the theatre was turned into a rock concert. It was loud, unapologetic, and absolutely spine-tingling, and an experience you could appreciate even if heavy metal is not your thing (disclaimer: it isn’t mine).

You don’t need to be a die-hard Black Sabbath fan to enjoy this show, nor a ballet expert to appreciate it. It bridges those worlds effortlessly, offering something for everyone, with the precision and grace that ballet lovers crave, and the intensity and rhythm that rock fans live for. It’s a rare production that manages to respect both traditions while creating something entirely new in between.

As a ballet fan, what I loved most was how the show still included the grace and elegance of a ballet. The performers are just fantastic and make the choreography look so effortless and easy, which I can imagine it’s truly far from. Using ballet to celebrate a heavy metal band made me think of Black Sabbath's music in a whole new way. They’ve never been on my Spotify playlist but I can absolutely understand why the band is legendary - the music underlined the performance as well as any traditional ballet score, with highs and lows, and so much drama. 

By the final curtain, the audience erupted, and not in the polite applause you often hear at the ballet, but in genuine whoops and cheers. Black Sabbath The Ballet pushes boundaries, challenges expectations and proves that art doesn’t have to fit neatly into one box.

Birmingham Royal Ballet have taken something iconic and daring, and turned it into a masterpiece of movement, music and emotion. It’s bold, unexpected and utterly captivating from start to finish.

Whether you come for the ballet, the music or simply the experience, you’ll leave in awe of what you’ve witnessed. This is not just a performance, it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the fearless spirit of both Birmingham Royal Ballet and Black Sabbath.

An electrifying night that proves sometimes, the most unlikely combinations make the most extraordinary art.

WE SCORE BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET'S BLACK SABBATH...



BRB's Black Sabbath is on at Lowry until Saturday 11th October 2025.

BUY TICKETS TO SEE BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET'S BLACK SABBATH