Ballet Ireland celebrates 25th anniversary with National tour of Carmen this autumn 9 November – 8 December 2023

Ballet Ireland, in association with EY Ireland, presents a captivating production of Carmen at 10 venues around Ireland this autumn, including five performances at the Gaiety Theatre. Tour dates and venues are listed below.

Award-winning choreographer Morgann Runacre-Temple brings a modern interpretation to the staging and choreography of this iconic work while at the same retaining all its passion and drama.

Carmen follows the story of the young naïve soldier José who is bewitched by the beautiful and fiery woman. Obsessed and reckless, José turns his back on respectable life to be with her. However, Carmen is a woman who cannot be tamed and José’s desire to possess her eventually destroys them both.

Spanish dancer Ceilia Sandoya plays Carmen and José is performed by Massimo Margaria in a cast of 12 dancers.

Music is a special feature of this production. It alternates between a re-working of Georges Bizet's score by Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin and arrangements for flamenco guitar, based on the Bizet score, which are created and performed live by flamenco guitarist John Walsh.

Speaking about Carmen, Anne Maher, Director, Ballet Ireland said:

‘We are delighted to renew our partnership with EY Ireland for this tour of Carmen. Their invaluable support helps us to create a greater awareness of Ballet Ireland’s work and to expand our audience reach. In fulfilling our remit as Ireland’s only professional ballet company funded by the Arts Council, the tour is an opportunity to re-connect with ballet lovers around the country.”

Speaking about EY Ireland’s continuing sponsorship of the Ballet Ireland programme, Niamh O’Beirne, EY Ireland Partner and Head of Business and People Consulting, commented:

“Ballet Ireland is an exceptional company, creating a platform for remarkable performers to share their talents with audiences across the island of Ireland. EY Ireland is proud to once again partner with them for this national tour of the iconic opera Carmen, helping to make Ballet Ireland’s productions more accessible to audiences everywhere. The arts community plays a key role in our vibrant cultural tapestry, and we are really pleased to celebrate the fantastic contribution that Ballet Ireland makes in this space.”

Ballet Ireland’s Carmen is in two acts over 80 minutes. Morgann Runacre-Temple’s fresh take on the classic tale of seduction and obsession takes audiences deep into the passions and dark undercurrents of the original story – imbuing the enduring tale with new resonance.

Tour Dates of Carmen

Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey
Thurs 9 Nov, 7:45pm
Tickets: £23 / £21 (concession) 
Booking: theatreatthemill.com / (028) 9034 0202

Market Place Theatre, Armagh
Sat 11 Nov, 8pm
Tickets: £23 and £21 (concession) + £1 booking fee
Booking: visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre / 03300 561 025

Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
Wed 15 - Sat 18 Nov
7:30pm Nightly / 2:30pm Sat Mat
Tickets from €13.50*
*Additional booking fees apply
Booking: www.gaietytheatre.com l Gaiety Theatre Box Office l groups@gaietytheatre.com

The Civic Theatre, Tallaght
Tues 21 Nov, 7.30pm
Tickets: €27, €25 &under 16's €16
Booking: civictheatre.ie / 01 462 7477 2

glór, Ennis
Thurs 23 Nov, 7:30pm
Tickets: €27 adult, €22 concession, €20 u18s and family €85
Booking: glor.ie / 065 684 3103

O’Reilly Theatre
National Opera House, Wexford
Sat 25 Nov, 7:30pm
Tickets: €30 / €25 concession / €20 child under 16 / €90 Family Ticket
Booking: nationaloperahouse.ie / 053 912 2144

Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Thurs 30 Nov & Fri 1 Dec, 8pm
Tickets €27* / €25*
Booking: www.tht.ie / 091 569 777
*All Tickets Are Subject to THT Booking & Development Fee €1/Ticket

Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick
Sat 2 Dec, 8pm
Tickets: €25 / €20 / €85 (family ticket x4)
Booking: limetreetheatre.ie / 061 953 400

Siamsa Tíre, Tralee
Tues 5 & Wed 6 Dec 8pm
Tickets:  €27 / €22
Booking: siamsatire.com / 066 712 3055

Draíocht, Blanchardstown
Fri 8 Dec, 8pm
Tickets: € 27/ €25 / € 18 for under 16’s
Booking: draiocht.ie / 01 885 2622

Ballet Ireland

Ballet Ireland presents both traditional full-length classics and newly commissioned ballets which resonate with audiences of today. The originality of Ballet Ireland’s work and the calibre of dancers has attracted world renowned choreographers to work with the company including Christopher Bruce, Marguerite Donlon, Filipe Portugal and Morgann Runacre-Temple.

Established in 1998 by Gunther Falusy and Anne Maher, each spring and autumn the company performs in large scale theatres in Dublin and throughout the Island of Ireland. Touring affords the opportunity for our regional audiences to access and enjoy professional ballet and to inspire young and talented students all over Ireland.

In addition to professional performances, we are champions of cultivating future talent. The company’s summer intensive is an opportunity for young dancers to learn from professional dancers and choreographers. Throughout the year there are additional programmes for primary and secondary school students, both for those with or without formal training. These opportunities create unforgettable experiences for the participants and their families.

In 2013, we were honoured when President Michael D. Higgins became our Patron. As our support grows, we will continue to mentor young dancers, our collaborations with leading arts organisations will strengthen and we will increase opportunities for leading dancers, choreographers and designers to work with the company.

Ballet Ireland receives strategic funding by the Arts Council of Ireland.

For further media information:

Mary Folan /:Mobile: 086 392c7081 / Email: mmfolan@gmail.com