The Royal Albert Hall has reluctantly decided to push back one of the centrepieces of its 150th anniversary celebrations to 2022, due to disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Matthew Bourne’s spectacular re-imagining of The Car Man was originally scheduled to run from 17 to 27 June 2021. This put the opening night before the earliest possible return to full capacity, which meant audiences would be limited to 1,000 until 21 June at the earliest. The full run of 14 performances will now take place 9 - 19 June next year.
The venue’s Chief Executive, Craig Hassall, said:
“We can’t wait to welcome Matthew’s thrilling production to the Hall, but we felt it was crucial to stage a full run of the show in front of full houses, enabling as many people as possible to join us for this extraordinary event.”
The Hall expects to open with some full capacity events from July, in line with the government’s roadmap out of lockdown. Throughout 2021 and 2022, it celebrates its 150th birthday with a special programme of events including major commissions from British artists, headline performances from musical legends, and a series of showcases promoting the next generation of talent. Stars involved include Patti Smith, Nile Rodgers, Nitin Sawhney, David Arnold, Gregory Porter, Jon Hopkins, Jonas Kaufman and Kate Stables.
Tickets already purchased for The Car Man will be valid for the new dates. The venue will be in touch will all bookers about their options.
“Whilst we are all naturally disappointed that our loyal audiences will now need to wait a little bit longer for The Car Man to arrive at the Royal Albert Hall, we know that when the time comes they will be thrilled with what we have planned for this reimagined and epic production and that it will be well worth the wait! New Adventures debut at this iconic venue will now surely be one of the dance highlights of 2022.”
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