Strictly star Neil Jones's new dance show to premiere in Lichfield
Strictly Come Dancing star and World Champion dancer Neil Jones has created a brand new dance-theatre spectacular, exclusively for Lichfield Festival. Gingerland will play for two nights at Lichfield Cathedral on 10 and 11 July. With stunning choreography, a cast of world-class dancers, original music, costumes and set, Gingerland is a family-friendly, comic tale about being different.
Neil Jones explains: “It’s a world where ‘Gingers’ are discriminated against. There’s a whole storyline that helps us understand the myths and history around being ginger, and in the end hopefully people can see that we should be accepted for who we are.“
The concept was born from Jones’s personal experience as a redhead. It draws on historical myths, pop culture stereotypes, and the resilience of those who’ve felt different. Gingerland reclaims the narrative, turning what once made you a target into a superpower.
The story follows one woman’s journey as she uncovers her past to help shape her future in a heart-warming and powerful show.
Neil says: “During the show, I’m the narrator and I have a superpower – I’m in control of time. And there are characters including a General who’s against ‘Gingers’, and the Ginger Resistance fighting against him.”
Using the Cathedral as a stunning backdrop to Gingerland, audiences can expect Latin, hip-hop, ballroom, contemporary and street styles, along with mind-bending effects and slow-motion sequences.
A multi-award winning dancer, Neil Jones holds 45 dance championship titles including eight British National and European, and four World Latin Championship wins. He has been part of the BBC’s mega-hit show Strictly Come Dancing since 2016 as choreographer and pro dancer, partnering with celebrities including Alex Scott and Toyah Willcox.
Jones’s first show for Lichfield Festival, in 2018 – Somnium: A Dancer’s Dream – was so successful that it transferred to London’s famous Sadler’s Wells. “It was the first ever Latin and Ballroom show to be performed at Sadler’s Wells and an honour to get it accepted,” Neil says.
Gingerland is at Lichfield Festival on 10 and 11 July. Tickets and details from lichfieldfestival.org or 01543 306271 (call-back service).
