Pet Shop Boys and Russell T Davies Collaborate on New ‘It’s A Sin’ Dance Show in Manchester

Immerse yourself in the powerful dance adaptation of ‘It’s A Sin,’ as Pet Shop Boys and Russell T Davies bring the iconic drama’s story to life through movement and music.

A Bold New Chapter for ‘It’s A Sin’

If you’re like me, It’s A Sin wasn’t just a show — it was an emotional journey that captured the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis in 1980s Britain with unflinching honesty and heart. Now, the creative forces behind this landmark drama are taking things a step further: Russell T Davies and the iconic synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys are teaming up to reimagine It’s A Sin as a groundbreaking dance production, premiering in Manchester.

For those who may need a refresher, It’s A Sin originally aired on Channel 4, painting a vivid portrait of a group of gay friends struggling through the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in London — though much of the filming actually took place in Manchester and its surroundings, giving the production a strong Northern UK connection. The series was a critical darling, sweeping the BAFTA nominations in 2022 and becoming Channel 4’s most binge-watched title on their streaming platform.

Now, that story is getting a fresh spin through a collaboration that promises to fuse contemporary dance, cinematic visuals, and live music in a theatrical experience like no other.

The Creative Dream Team Behind the Production

What excites me most about this announcement is the powerhouse lineup bringing this dance show to life. Russell T Davies, famed for his brilliant storytelling on Queer As Folk and It’s A Sin, is spearheading the adaptation alongside the Pet Shop Boys—Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe—whose 1987 hit “It’s A Sin” was the namesake and soundtrack inspiration for the original series.

Joining them are the contemporary dance company Rambert and Factory International, with Luke Halls Studio helming the set design. Adding to this dynamic mix is the American singer Roman GianArthur, who is composing new music to complement the production’s evocative choreography and visuals. With such a lineup, this promises to be a fresh, innovative take on a story that still resonates deeply today.

No official premiere date has been announced yet, but it’s set to debut at Manchester’s Aviva Studios, a fitting home given the city’s role in the original series and its vibrant arts scene.

Reflections from Russell T Davies and the Pet Shop Boys

Russell T Davies shared how deeply personal the original drama was for him. Having crafted stories that explore queer lives with honesty and compassion, he described It’s A Sin as “such a special show.” The opportunity to see it transformed into a new medium by Rambert is “one of the greatest honours” of his life — and for fans, it’s thrilling to know this story will live on in such a creative form.

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe echoed this enthusiasm. They noted that the original TV drama was a landmark in presenting the reality and heartbreak of the AIDS crisis to a broad audience, and expressed pride that their song “It’s A Sin,” which was contemporaneous with the crisis, continues to contribute to telling this poignant story in a fresh way.

A Look Back at the Original Series

For those who haven’t yet experienced the original It’s A Sin, it’s a must-watch. Premiering in January 2021, the series starred Olly Alexander, Omari Douglas, Callum Scott Howells, Nathaniel Curtis, and Lydia West, who portrayed a close-knit group of friends navigating love, loss, and identity amid the shadow of AIDS. The stellar supporting cast included David Carlyle, Shaun Dooley, Keeley Hawes, Neil Patrick Harris, and Stephen Fry, adding further depth to the story.

Critics lauded the series for its heartfelt and unvarnished portrayal of a tragic chapter in history. It was hailed as a “queer masterpiece,” praised for drawing viewers into the lives of warm, complicated characters — reminding us all of the millions of lives touched by HIV/AIDS.

For those who want to revisit the series, it remains available to stream online, a bittersweet but vital window into the past.

Setting the Stage for a Dance Revolution

This dance production isn’t just a retelling; it’s a reimagining. By combining the visual storytelling of cinema with the physical expression of contemporary dance, the creators are inviting audiences to feel the narrative in a whole new way. The collaboration with Rambert, a renowned contemporary dance company, adds an extra layer of artistry and depth.

The involvement of Luke Halls Studio suggests the sets will be immersive and innovative, while Roman GianArthur’s fresh compositions promise to complement Pet Shop Boys’ classic style with new musical textures — an exciting merge of past and present.

It’s rare to see such a rich, layered story adapted into a dance format, and it feels like this production could open new doors for how we experience theatrical storytelling about history, identity, and resilience.

Catch a Glimpse: Trailer for the Original Drama

If you want to feel the emotional power that this new dance show will channel, check out the first look at the original It’s A Sin drama here — it’s a reminder of how gripping and moving the story is, setting the tone perfectly for what’s to come:

Looking Forward

With this ambitious new production on the horizon, It’s A Sin is set to reach new audiences and touch hearts in ways that extend beyond the screen. The fusion of Pet Shop Boys’ iconic music, Russell T Davies’ storytelling genius, and contemporary dance’s raw emotion promises something truly special.

As a fan who was moved by the original series, I can’t wait to see how this dance adaptation brings fresh energy and new perspectives to the story — especially staged in Manchester, where the roots of this project are so strong.

FAQ

• What is the new ‘It’s A Sin’ production about?
  It’s a dance show adaptation of the original It’s A Sin TV drama, focusing on the AIDS crisis in 1980s UK, combining contemporary dance, music, and cinematic visuals.
• Who is involved in creating the dance adaptation?
  The production is a collaboration between Russell T Davies, the Pet Shop Boys, Rambert dance company, Factory International, Luke Halls Studio (set design), and American singer Roman GianArthur (music composition).
• Where and when will the show premiere?
  The show is set to premiere at the Aviva Studios in Manchester. Exact dates have not yet been announced.
• Is the original It’s A Sin series still available to watch?
  Yes, the original Channel 4 series remains available to stream online for those who want to experience the story before the dance show.
• Why is this story important to revisit now?
  It’s A Sin sheds light on the human impact of the AIDS crisis, remembering those lost and educating new generations through art. This dance adaptation continues that legacy in an innovative way.

Relive the iconic artwork and spirit of It’s A Sin by shopping your favorite album cover posters at our store. Celebrate the music and story that moved a generation with timeless art you can cherish.

Shop your favorite album cover poster here