Bold reimagining of It’s a Sin coming to the stage

Rambert, the UK’s leading contemporary dance company, has partnered with Factory International on a major new dance work inspired by the critically acclaimed 2021 TV series It’s a Sin. It is co-produced with Wales Millennium Centre (Cardiff), Capital Theatres (Edinburgh), Sadler’s Wells (London) and Les Théâtres de la Ville (Luxembourg). 

Show creator Russell T Davies is on board as executive producer, alongside legendary pop duo Pet Shop Boys (who composed and performed the titular song) and Mighty Hoopla co-founder Glyn Fussell. 

“We are proud to be involved as this poignant and important story is interpreted in a different medium.”

Pet Shop Boys

The bold re-imagining will explore the story’s themes of friendship, love and loss through contemporary dance, theatre, archive and cinematic visuals. Opening at Manchester’s Aviva Studios on 16th February 2027, the production will then tour the UK, heading to venues including Liverpool, Birmingham, Plymouth and London. 

2027 UK tour dates

It’s a Sin on stage

Originally set in London between 1981 and 1991, Davies’ landmark series follows a generation of young gay men and their friends as the HIV/AIDS crisis unfolds around them. It is a story of joy and innocence, of loss and injustice - and of resilience, activism and love in the face of unimaginable change.

Brought to life by Rambert’s talented dancers, the new adaptation weaves past and present into something raw, visceral and devastating - an epic story told through movement, asking who gets remembered, who gets left behind, and how we choose to live now.

Benoit Swan Pouffer, Rambert’s artistic director, said: “Storytelling sits at the heart of Rambert’s mission. This is a story we feel compelled to tell right now, and 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. I can’t wait to share this with audiences, and there is so much more still to come as the work evolves.”

“Excitement is rising as this landmark production gets closer and closer,” added Russell T Davies. “It’s such an honour for me to see It’s a Sin being brought to life by Benoit and the team with passion, joy and respect.”

A poignant story for all generations

Davies took inspiration for the show’s title from the Pet Shop Boys’ song of the same name. The hit, released in 1987 during the Aids crisis, highlights the religious guilt, shame and trauma that many gay people feel growing up, something the TV series explores at length. 

Of the series and new adaptation, Pet Shop Boys said the TV drama “compellingly presented the reality and tragedy of the Aids crisis to a mass audience. Our song It’s a Sin was contemporary with the crisis and we are proud to be involved as this poignant and important story is interpreted in a different medium.”

Tickets for some venues are available to book now, with the rest to release soon.