Carmen is designed by Antony McDonald and Peter Mumford, long time collaborators of Scottish Ballet, and the creative team responsible for the second piece in this double bill, Pennies from Heaven. In Carmen, McDonald utilizes his flair for historic detail filtered through modern couture to glorious effect. Costumes are inspired by original 19th century Spanish folk and flamenco photographs with a modern twist inspired by the more flamboyant catwalk style of John Galliano and Christian LaCroix.

Pennies from Heaven was first performed by the Company in autumn 2008. Taking its cue from the music and cinema of the 1930s, the production borrows its title from Dennis Potter’s acclaimed television drama Pennies from Heaven. The work is a playful interpretation of a range of popular songs from the period including March Winds and April Showers and Painting the Clouds with Sunshine, with elegant designs steeped in the vintage glamour of the era.

This year Scottish Ballet, Scotland’s national dance company, celebrates its 40th anniversary. The Company will also later this year move into a brand new purpose-built home as part of the Tramway International Arts complex in Glasgow as well as create new training opportunities for young dancers with the launch of the BA degree in Modern Ballet, in partnership with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Scottish Ballet, Scotland’s national dance company, was established in Scotland in 1969. Its broad repertoire includes new version of the classics, seminal pieces from the 20th century modern ballet canon, signature pieces by living choreographers, and new commissions.