Birmingham Royal Ballet present two outstanding programmes of work. Opposites Attract features three modern ballets. Lyric Pieces is American choreographer Jessica Lang’s first ballet for a major European company, set to music by Norwegian romantic Edvard Grieg. Take Five is director David Bintley’s personal tribute to jazz icon Dave Brubeck. Completing the bill, one of Hans van Manen’s most famous works, Grösse Fuge, is an invigorating and uplifting experience that has lost none of its power over the last 40 years.

Autumn Celebration! brings together Shakespeare, Noel Coward and an Olympic theme. The Grand Tour by Broadway show choreographer Joe Layton is an amusing take on the celebrities of the 1920s. Faster – a ballet inspired by the Olympic motto, ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ from David Bintley and composer Matthew Hindson, focuses on speed, power and athleticism. Finally, The Dream is Frederick Ashton’s elfin comedy based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed to Mendelssohn’s instantly recognisable score.