From gang rivalries in a divided school to the devastating consequences of forbidden love, Ballet Ireland’s acclaimed production of Romeo & Juliet returns to stages across Ireland this autumn.
Some stories never lose their power, and Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet remains one of the most enduring tales of love, loyalty and tragedy. This autumn, Ballet Ireland invites audiences to experience the classic story through a striking contemporary ballet, touring 16 venues across the island of Ireland from 30 October to 19 December 2026.
Choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple and set to Sergei Prokofiev’s sweeping, powerful score, this acclaimed production transports the story from the streets of medieval Verona to the corridors of a modern-day secondary school divided by gangs and violence.
When a school chaplain and teacher attempt to challenge the students’ hostility by introducing them to Shakespeare’s tragedy, the pupils take on the roles of the feuding Montague and Capulet families. As the play unfolds, two young people find themselves caught in a love that challenges the loyalties, rivalries and expectations surrounding them.
The result is a compelling mix of youthful passion, humour, conflict and high tragedy, brought to life through expressive choreography, dramatic staging and music that captures every twist in the lovers’ story.
For Runacre-Temple, the aim was to make this familiar tale feel immediate and relevant to a contemporary audience, stripping away traditional period costumes and historical trappings to focus on the impulsive decisions and intense emotions of two teenagers. The production explores a timeless question: how far would you go for love when everything is at stake?
The approach has earned praise from critics. The Irish Times highlighted the production’s ability to make ballet relevant to modern audiences while honouring its roots, while The Arts Review praised its moments of genuine beauty and dazzling choreographic flow.
The Mail on Sunday was equally enthusiastic, declaring: “I can’t remember seeing a better Ballet Ireland production than this one.”
Following the success of Ballet Ireland’s production of Cinderella, the return of Romeo & Juliet offers audiences throughout Ireland the opportunity to experience the company’s distinctive approach to classical ballet close to home.
The national tour opens at Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey on 30 October before travelling to venues including Galway’s Town Hall Theatre, Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, Sligo’s Hawk’s Well Theatre, Limerick’s Lime Tree Theatre and the National Opera House in Wexford, with further performances in Derry, Armagh, Enniskillen, Ennis, Letterkenny, Blanchardstown, Kilkenny, Tralee, Bray and Navan.
The production is proudly sponsored by EY Ireland, with support from RTÉ Supporting the Arts and the Arts Council.
Whether you are a lifelong ballet enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable night at the theatre, Romeo & Juliet offers a fresh perspective on a story that continues to resonate across generations.
Ballet Ireland’s Romeo & Juliet tours Ireland from 30 October to 19 December 2026. Tickets are on sale now, with full performance dates and booking information available at balletireland.ie.
