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Manchester is set to host the world premiere of a powerful new stage version of It’s A Sin, bringing one of the most talked-about British dramas of recent years to life in a completely new way.
Created by Russell T Davies, the Channel 4 series struck a deep emotional chord when it aired in 2021, telling the story of a generation of young gay men navigating life, love and the AIDS crisis in 1980s Britain. Now, that story is being reborn on stage, not through words, but through movement.
World-renowned contemporary dance company Rambert has announced it is developing It’s A Sin as a major new production, co-produced with Factory International, which will premiere at Aviva Studios in Manchester.
Manchester isn’t just hosting Rambert. It’s hosting the launch of a major new cultural work tied to Factory International.
Raw, euphoric and deeply moving, the production promises to be an immersive experience that captures both the joy and heartbreak of a generation. Clubs pulse with energy. Friendships form in an instant. And as fear begins to creep in, lives are changed forever.
At its core, this is a story about community, resilience and love in the face of unimaginable loss. And bringing it to Manchester feels significant.
This is a city that understands the power of culture to bring people together. A city where stories matter. And a city that continues to lead from the front when it comes to bold, ambitious creative work.
Russell T Davies and Benoit Swan Pouffer
Russell T Davies returns as Executive Producer, joined by Pet Shop Boys and Glyn Fussell, with Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer leading the choreography and direction.
Davies said: “It’s A Sin was such a special show for me, and it’s one of the greatest honours of my life to have the show transformed by Rambert into something new and exciting.”
The involvement of Pet Shop Boys adds another layer of cultural weight. Their music was part of the era the story is rooted in, and now helps shape how it will be experienced on stage.
They said: “The original TV drama was a landmark series which 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.”
Rather than retelling the series scene by scene, the production will expand its world. Through choreography, music, archive and cinematic visuals, past and present will collide, creating something that feels both intimate and urgent.
Benoit Swan Pouffer said: “Storytelling sits at the heart of Rambert’s mission. This is a story we feel compelled to tell right now. Together we’re exploring how dance and choreography can carry urgent, emotional narratives in a visceral way.”
Factory International’s John McGrath added: “Russell T Davies is an icon, and the story he tells in It’s A Sin has resonated with all ages. Rambert will no doubt re-tell the story with great vision and beauty. We can’t wait to premiere this collaboration at our home in Manchester.”
Full details, including dates and casting, are set to be announced later this year.
But one thing is already clear. This is not just a stage adaptation. It’s a reimagining of a story that still matters, told in a way that speaks to a new generation, while honouring those whose lives shaped it.
And it all starts here in Manchester.
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