Channel 4’s It’s A Sin set for stage adaptation with Russell T Davies and Pet Shop Boys spearheading the project
Originally set in London between 1981 and 1991, Davies’ story follows a generation of young gay men and their friends during the HIV/AIDS crisis
By Aaron Sugg
The Channel 4 series It’s A Sin has been adapted for a stage production, with original screenwriter Russell T Davies named as executive producer alongside the Pet Shop Boys.
Rambert, the UK’s leading contemporary dance company, is developing a new dance production inspired by the 2021 TV series.
The production will be a reimagining of the original Channel 4 drama through contemporary dance, led by executive producers Davies and the Pet Shop Boys.
“It’s A Sin was such a special show for me” – Russell T Davies on the on-stage dance production of his Channel 4 series
In a news release, 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.”
Originally set in London between 1981 and 1991, Davies’ story follows a generation of young gay men and their friends during the HIV/AIDS crisis.
The original cast featured Olly Alexander, Omari Douglas, Callum Scott Howells, Lydia West and Nathaniel Curtis, playing a group of friends navigating the political landscape under Margaret Thatcher.
“The original TV drama was a landmark series” – Pet Shop Boys on Davies’s It’s A Sin series
Pet Shop Boys commented: “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.”
Rambert’s Artistic Director and internationally renowned dance artist, Benoit Swan Pouffer, will direct and choreograph the production.
On the announcement of the stage adaptation, he 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.”
“I can’t wait to share this with audience” – Benoit Swan Pouffer on the It’s A Sin dance production
Pouffer added: “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.”
The stage adaptation of Davies’s It’s A Sin will premiere in Manchester at Aviva Studios, and is later expected to be staged at Wales Millennium Centre, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Capital Theatres and Les Théâtres de la Ville.
A premiere date has yet to be announced. Further announcements about It’s A Sin will follow soon via the official Rambert website.
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