Ballet Nights Glasgow: Smash hit live show makes long-awaited Scottish debut

The critically acclaimed Ballet Nights smash hit live dance show makes its long-awaited Scottish debut in July at Glasgow Theatre Royal, finds Lisa Simonis.

Ballet Nights Glasgow will showcase a diverse programme of iconic ballet classics, modern masterpieces, contemporary dance, and live music, performed by dancers from internationally acclaimed ballet companies, emerging artists, virtuoso musicians, and choreographers.

Ballet Nights was founded by its Artistic Director, Jamiel Devernay-Laurence, who will act as compère for the evening at Ballet Nights Glasgow. Devernay-Laurence is a former soloist of Scottish Ballet who has since become a creative force and entrepreneur, and whose vision for Ballet Nights has reimagined the ballet experience for audiences. 

Ballet Nights Glasgow on 4 July will hold special significance for many of its performers and its creator, Devernay-Laurence. 

‘Glasgow holds a very special place in my heart and my creative soul. In bringing my show concept to my old home, Ballet Nights offers me and many fellow returning Scottish Ballet stars the chance to reconnect with the audiences that made us,’ he said.

Credit: Deborah Jaffe

The list of performers includes Principals of Scottish Ballet: Sophie Martin, Eve Mutso, and Constance Devernay-Laurence, alongside the Royal Ballet’s superstar Principal Steven McRae, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s former Principal Tyrone Singleton, Glasgow-born ballet star Andrew Cummings, and London’s Ballet Nights sensation BlacBrik. Ballet Nights resident house concert pianist Viktor Erik Emanuel will be joined onstage by Gillian Risi, Scottish Ballet Orchestra violinist.

Ballet Nights first premiered in September 2023 at the Lanterns Studio Theatre in London’s Canary Wharf and is currently held at the Cadogan Hall in Chelsea. After seven successful programmes in London, the event has toured internationally, with performances in cities such as Brisbane, Bucharest, and Kuala Lumpur. 

Ballet Nights Glasgow will be followed by a Ballet Nights Masterclass, featuring a day of masterclasses for young students on 5 July at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Wallace Studios.

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