After a sell-out opening season in 2023 and international tours in 2024 and 2025, Carlos Acosta is turning up the volume on Birmingham’s musical legacy once more when Black Sabbath – The Ballet  returns this autumn.

Black Sabbath forged their unique sound in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s home city. In Black Sabbath – The Ballet expect a spectacular theatrical evening featuring thrilling dance alongside full orchestrations of legendary Black Sabbath tracks such as Paranoid and Iron Man, as well as new orchestral works inspired by their music.

Carlos Acosta was drawn to both the band’s work and its musical legacy as the originators of Heavy Metal. This full-evening ballet is a unique undertaking with three composers and three choreographers, led by renowned Choreographer Pontus Lidberg (whose work has been performed by the Swedish Royal Ballet and the Paris Opera Ballet) and Composer Chris Austin (whose work includes orchestrating the White Stripes music for Wayne McGregor’s Chroma) working alongside award-winning writer Richard Thomas (Jerry Springer, The Opera) to create an extraordinary metal symphony over three acts. Black Sabbath themselves were closely involved in developing this unique collaboration.

Sparks fly in this intriguing response to Black Sabbath’s music and legacy – the first true heavy metal ballet experience. Don’t miss this spectacular, innovative fusion of classical ballet and iconic heavy metal sound – book early to secure your seat!

This performance is part of THIS IS DANCE an international season of dance in Birmingham presented in partnership with FABRIC, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Rep, Fierce Festival, Midlands Arts Centre and Sampad Arts, bringing exceptional dance from both across the globe and the local community.