John Grant announces forthcoming Royal Ballet production of A Single Man

12 March 2025, 10:54 | Written by Tyler Damara Kelly

(News)

(John Grant)

John Grant has written songs for – and will be performing in – The Royal Ballet and Factory International’s production of Christopher Isherwood’s A Single Man which takes place in Manchester in early July.

Based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man follows George, a gay, middle-aged professor navigating life in 1960s California. Widely recognised as a pioneering work of 20th-century fiction, the novel was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film by fashion designer Tom Ford starring Colin Firth.

In this iteration of A Single Man, award-winning director and choreographer Jonathan Watkins is set to transform Isherwood’s masterpiece into an original contemporary ballet. Acclaimed former Royal Ballet Principal Edward Watson will express the physicality of George’s exterior life while Grant will perform his internal monologue.

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Commenting on the production John Grant says: “When Jonathan Watkins got in touch to ask me to write songs for a production of Christopher Isherwood’s ‘A Single Man’, I was certainly intrigued. I had seen Tom Ford’s excellent film adaption of the book, but never read it myself. So I did just that and I have to say I was completely blown away and I still can’t believe it took more than 56 years to get to it. I don’t remember ever having had it recommended to me which puzzles me. After meeting with Jonathan and hearing him speak about his passion and vision for the project I knew I had to have a part in interpreting this masterpiece for the London Royal Ballet. It is truly an honour.”

John Grant has also announced a ten-date UK and Ireland tour beginning in Dublin and including a performance at the Troxy in London.

For tickets and more information, visit johngrantmusic.com.