Celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2025, McNicol Ballet Collective presents Here & Now, a new, mixed bill featuring extracts from its diverse range of repertoire alongside a brand-new work.
Of Here & Now, Andrew McNicol, Artistic Director, said: “Our new programme Here & Now is
a wonderful opportunity for us to mark the collective’s fifth anniversary with audiences in my
hometown of Hull, London and Leeds. At this challenging time for independent companies, I’m
looking forward to celebrating the joy of dance, music and live performance and thanking those
who have been part of our journey from the beginning.”
The evening’s programme features highlights from McNicol Ballet Collective’s dance works,
including Of Silence, Moonbend and Bates Beats. Alongside these fan favourites will be a
world premiere choreographed by Artistic Director Andrew McNicol, with a new score, featuring
live music, from Jeremy Birchall, costumes by Louise Flanagan, and innovative lighting by
Yaron Abulafia.
Performed by McNicol Ballet Collective’s outstanding company of dancers, Here & Now promises
to be a celebration of dance and music as the company looks forward to the next chapter in its
history.
Ahead of the performances, McNicol Ballet Collective will offer a chance to explore the creative
process of preparing a new ballet with an exclusive insight event at the Royal Academy of
Dance on 26 March, featuring a working rehearsal followed by a Q&A with Andrew McNicol and
composer Jeremy Birchall.
Founded by Andrew McNicol, “one of the UK’s most talented young choreographers”
(Bachtrack), McNicol Ballet Collective is committed to creating new and collaborative work with
an inspiring collective of artists. The company commissions adventurous contemporary ballets,
innovative dance films and meaningful education projects – strengthening connections to
dance and each other.
In 2023, McNicol Ballet Collective presented its second programme, Devotions, to critical acclaim
at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre and on tour in North East England. 2024 saw the
company perform at Latitude Festival and deliver a week-long creative residency for emerging
choreographers and composers.
Andrew’s vision is to create an enduring and distinct repertoire that will excite audiences, empower artists, and explore the full potential of contemporary ballet today.
Here & Now is supported by The Linbury Trust, Foyle Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation and the Arts Council England. The new show is made possible thanks to a Made in Hull residency at Hull New Theatre, where MBC is associate company.
www.mcnicolballetcollective.co.uk/here-and-now
Photography by Camilla Greenwell.
