Richard Alston

Movement and music are fused into a unique and profound synthesis in the work of Richard Alston Dance Company. For his company’s eagerly awaited return to Lighthouse, Richard Alston has chosen a diverse collection of composers – every step he makes lives and breathes the spirit of the music he chooses.

SHIMMER is danced to the sun-drenched music of Ravel played live. Julien Macdonald’s fabulous, jewel-encrusted cobweb costumes illuminate dazzling streaks of limpid choreography in a ravishingly beautiful piece of theatre.

IN MEMORY was one of the last pieces to be choreographed by Robert Cohan before he left London Contemporary Dance Theatre, the company he founded and directed for over twenty years. An intimate and quietly intense piece for six dancers, IN MEMORY, revived for the first time, is Cohan at his most succinct and powerful. The music is Hindemith’s spare and expressive Sonata for unaccompanied viola.

SHUFFLE IT RIGHT features private recordings made by the American songwriter Hoagy Carmichael, who himself sings, whistles and plays piano on them. The songs Alston has chosen – including Riverboat Shuffle, Ol’ Man Harlem and, of course, Star Dust – scurry along with wry little licks and punched out syncopated rhythms.

“Sent me home insanely happy” The New York Times

The programme is completed by a new duet OTHER THAN I to music by Francois Couperin and choreographed by Martin Lawrance, whose LIE OF THE LAND was one of the highlights of last season.

MEET RICHARD ALSTON

Richard Alston will give a free pre-performance talk on Friday 27 April. Places are limited, tickets must be booked in advance .