English National Ballet: Akram Khan’s Giselle at the Palace Theatre

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
English National Ballet - Akram Khan's Giselle at the Palace Theatre
Image courtesy of Laurent Liotardo.

English National Ballet - Akram Khan's Giselle at Palace Theatre, Manchester 19 — 28 October 2023 Tickets from £13.00 — Book now

Following acclaimed international performances and sold-out shows in New York and Paris last year, Akram Khan returns, with the English National Ballet, to the Palace Theatre Manchester with his powerful reimagining of Giselle.

Khan is well-known for blending Indian kathak dance, contemporary dance and highly visual storytelling. In this vivid and hauntingly beautiful reinterpretation, he catapults the iconic ballet classic into a 21st-century dystopia. Sensational and sensuous, the story of love, redemption and betrayal is shifted to the present day – a world where migrant garment factory workers (the Outcasts) exist within closed industrial factories as the wealthy industrial Landlords watch on, protected by a monolithic wall.

The show has astounded audiences globally since its premiere in 2016 and has been seen, so far, by 140,000 people in 10 different countries and 16 cities around the world. Described as a “stunning reimagining” (The Stage) “danced with ferocious energy and precision” (The Arts Desk), Khan’s Giselle is considered by many to be a contemporary classic.

Packed with Khan’s mesmerising choreography, atmospheric lighting by Mark Henderson and a soaring set by Academy Award winner Tim Yip, the show conjures up a condemned factory and the supernatural spirits that appear in its shadows.

Performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, Vincenzo Lamagna’s menacingly dark and industrial-sounding composition takes inspiration from Adolphe Adam’s original score.

We’re thrilled that the English National Ballet bring Akram Khan’s Giselle back to the Palace Theatre, where it first premiered in 2016. If you haven’t yet seen it, now is your chance. And if you have seen it, surely you’ll want to see it again.

English National Ballet - Akram Khan's Giselle at Palace Theatre, Manchester 19 — 28 October 2023 Tickets from £13.00 Book now

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
19 October 2023
7:30pm
20 October 2023
2:30pm
20 October 2023
7:30pm
21 October 2023
2:30pm
21 October 2023
7:30pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at Palace Theatre

Where to go near English National Ballet: Akram Khan’s Giselle at the Palace Theatre

The Buccaneer
Blackpool
Restaurant
The Buccaneer

Set in Coral Island, The Buccaneer isn’t just family-friendly, it’s above above-and-beyond family-friendly, thanks to the very generous kids eat free offer.

Coral Island Sign
Blackpool
Coral Island

When you think of Blackpool, Coral Island is the type of place that takes front and centre: big, bold and flat-out fun.

Bar and pub 2
Liverpool
Restaurant
Hobo Kiosk

Hobo Kiosk is an independent pub in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, celebrating all things bohemian with its décor, drinks and events.

Doric Hotel Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
Doric Hotel

Previously ranked TripAdvisor’s number 1 family hotel in the UK, Blackpool’s bright and airy Doric Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea.

Cliffs Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Cliffs Hotel

A hit with families seeking the all-inclusive treatment, this Baroque-style hotel on the north shore is one of Blackpool’s oldest and most popular.

King's Boutique Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
King’s Boutique Hotel

Set in a Victorian townhouse, Blackpool’s King’s Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of Blackpool’s main attractions, but not so close that you won’t get a decent night’s sleep.

Boulevard Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Boulevard Hotel

With its own signature restaurant, two bars and a sleek lounge, this award-winning hotel on New South Promenade offers visitors to Blackpool luxury in spades.

The Big Blue Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Big Blue Hotel

At The Big Blue Hotel, guests have some of the UK’s most exciting rides right on their doorstep – and can even get free Blackpool Pleasure Beach day tickets.

The Lawton Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Lawton

Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in Blackpool.

The Ruskin Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Ruskin

Sitting in the shadow of the town’s famous Blackpool Tower, this established three star hotel is popular for its handy location and family-friendly pricing.

Traditional green and beige tram in blackpool
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Heritage Tram Tours

Embark on a unique and educational journey along the famous Blackpool Tramway, on board the best of the iconic Heritage Trams.

What's on: Dance

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.