It's a Sin TV Series to Be Reimagined as a Powerful Dance Production
The acclaimed television drama It's a Sin, which poignantly depicted friendship and tragedy during the 1980s Aids crisis, is set for a groundbreaking adaptation as a dance show. This new stage production is being developed by the renowned dance company Rambert, known for its innovative work, including the successful 2022 prequel to Peaky Blinders.
Creative Collaboration and Vision
Russell T Davies, the creator of the original Channel 4 series that aired in 2021, will serve as an executive producer for the dance adaptation. The choreography and direction will be led by Benoit Swan Pouffer, the artistic director of Rambert. Pouffer expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "Storytelling sits at the heart of Rambert's mission. Collaborating with Russell – one of the most powerful storytellers of our time – is incredibly exciting. Together we're exploring how dance and choreography can carry urgent, emotional narratives in a visceral way."
Adding to the creative team, the iconic pop duo Pet Shop Boys, whose 1987 single inspired the series' title, are also executive producers. They praised the TV show for "compellingly presenting the reality and tragedy of the Aids crisis to a mass audience" and expressed pride in being involved as this poignant story is interpreted through dance.
Production Details and Artistic Elements
The dance production will feature set and video design by Luke Halls Studio, regular collaborators with Pet Shop Boys, blending archive material with contemporary dance to create a dynamic visual experience. The music will be composed by Roman GianArthur, part of Janelle Monáe's Wondaland Arts Society, aiming to evoke "the glamour, defiance and emotional intensity of 1980s queer life" as highlighted in a press statement.
This adaptation marks a significant shift for Davies, who had previously expressed reluctance about revisiting the series. In 2024, he told the Radio Times that he felt hesitant to turn it into a musical, wanting to avoid profiting from such a dark true story. However, he acknowledged he might return to it one day, leading to this new collaborative venture.
Venue and Touring Plans
The show is co-produced by Factory International and will premiere at Aviva Studios in Manchester, a £240 million venue, with the opening date yet to be announced. Following the premiere, it is scheduled to tour, bringing this powerful narrative to wider audiences. Additional co-producers include Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Capital Theatres in Edinburgh, Les Théâtres de la Ville in Luxembourg, and Sadler's Wells in London.
Rambert, founded in 1924 by Polish émigré Marie Rambert and celebrating its centenary this year, has a history of successful adaptations. In 2011, Sadler's Wells presented The Most Incredible Thing with a score by Pet Shop Boys, showcasing the company's ability to merge dance with popular culture.
Context and Industry Trends
The adaptation of It's a Sin aligns with a growing trend in the dance world, where companies are reaching new audiences by reinterpreting TV series and films. For instance, Aviva Studios opened in 2023 with Free Your Mind, a production based on The Matrix, and Northern Ballet recently unveiled a touring version of Gentleman Jack, inspired by the TV series about Anne Lister.
The original TV series, which followed a group of young gay men in London during the 1980s, won numerous awards, including best new drama at the National Television Awards in 2021. This dance adaptation promises to honor that legacy while offering a fresh, emotive perspective through movement and music.
