Newcastle Theatre Royal is leading the way in 2026 when it comes to all things dance, and this year they have three productions in particular that should be inked into your diary with all the alacrity of a principal ballerina leaping into a grand jeté.

Sometimes, when it comes to capturing the pulse of our emotions, the intensity of our conflicts, and the timelessness of our fairy tales, mere words are not enough. Thankfully, dance is a language that we can all enjoy and over the coming months the Theatre Royal will become one of the region’s premier destinations for movement as they gear up to host a trio of productions that promise to push boundaries, ignite passions, and enchant audiences of all ages. From cutting-edge contemporary works to reinvented classics, here’s what you can look forward to.

This Is Rambert

Kickstarting the dance season at the Theatre Royal on 16 and 17 June is Rambert who are returning with ‘This Is Rambert’, a production marking the company’s centenary. As befits one of Britain’s most iconic dance institutions, they’re promising to hit audiences up with a real declaration of purpose. If you’re not au fait with what they’re all about, then you should know that for 100 years now, Rambert has remained at the forefront of the art form. And – needless to say – this anniversary programme will be a real testament to that legacy. ‘This Is Rambert’ gathers a collection of bite-size, high-impact works from visionary creators including (LA)HORDE and Emma Evelein, alongside an exciting brand-new commission. The programme is designed to capture the “now” – mirroring the speed, intensity, and complexity of modern life. It will be an essential watch for those who want to see dance that feels urgent, relevant, and alive. If you are looking for a glimpse into the future of choreography, this is where you need to be.

The Car Man

As the nights begin to draw in, the atmosphere at the Theatre Royal will turn electric with the arrival of Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Car Man’ from 8-12 September. If you think you know the story of ‘Carmen’, think again. Bourne, the master of vivid, narrative-driven dance, takes Bizet’s classic opera and gives it a gritty, cinematic makeover with the setting shifting from a 19th-century Spanish cigarette factory to a sweltering, greasy 1950s garage-diner in the American Mid-West. The gist? When a handsome, enigmatic stranger arrives in town, he shatters the fragile peace of the insular community. What follows is an unstoppable spiral of greed, lust, betrayal, and revenge. With a score that is one of the most passionate in the New Adventures repertoire – featuring music by Terry Davies after Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite – this is a dance thriller that will leave you breathless. It’s dark, it’s dangerous, and it’s undeniably sexy.

Cinderella

To round off a year of exceptional dance, Northern Ballet bring their magical staging of ‘Cinderella’ (pictured) to the stage from 28-31 October. While Rambert pushes the avant-garde and Bourne leans into the dramatic noir, Northern Ballet offers a masterful return to the classical tradition. Originally choreographed by Michael Pink for the Milwaukee Ballet, this production is a gorgeous, feel-good journey that proves why some stories never lose their luster. Set to Prokofiev’s iconic score, which will be performed live, this ‘Cinderella’ captures all the romance and wonder you would expect, but with a flair for theatrical storytelling that feels fresh. From the breathtaking waltzes to the laugh-out-loud moments, it is a production designed to remind us of the power of kindness and love. Whether you are a lifelong ballet fan or looking for a special evening out, this romantic finale is the perfect antidote to the autumn chill.

This Is Rambert: 16 & 17 June, 7.30pm, from £13; The Car Man, 8-12 September, 7.30pm (mats Thurs 2pm & Sat 2.30pm), from £22; Cinderella, 28-31 October, 7.30pm (mats Thurs 2pm & Sat 2.30pm), from £18. Theatre Royal, Newcastle. Full details and booking: theatreroyal.co.uk