BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet return to Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts this week with a diverse and breathtaking programme, carefully chosen to demonstrate the versatility of a company now firmly recognised as a major international force in the world of classical dance.

This breathtaking show presents a work from the ballet’s award-winning director, alongside one from a master of the Broadway stage, and thrilling excerpts from some of the world-famous classics with which Birmingham Royal Ballet has made its name.

The shows will be made up of three dance pieces: Take Five is Company Director David Bintley’s latest jazz creation. Set to the iconic music of the legendary Dave Brubeck, this light hearted, laid-back, elegant ballet takes life calmly in its stride.

Bitesized Ballet offers the audience highlights from three more of the world’s greatest ballets. First is the beautiful pas de deux from Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto.

Then, in the White Swan pas de deux from Swan Lake, a love-struck Odette and Prince Siegfried dance the night away in each others arms.

This will be followed by an excerpt from the most romantic of Frederick Ashton’s works, The Two Pigeons. Finally, The Grand Tour takes you back to the Roaring 20s. Setting out for Europe, our heroine, a spirited American spinster, can’t believe her luck when she embarks on her cruise and finds herself in the company of a feast of famous faces.

However, it turns out that Noël Coward, Gertrude Stein and George Bernard Shaw, to name but a few aren’t necessarily the friendliest of shipmates. Add stowaways and a rather handsome Chief Steward into the mix and things might get a little complicated.

Lighthouse spokesman Paul Tucker said: “Choreographer of many films and hit Broadway shows, American Joe Layton’s The Grand Tour is a genuinely funny take on the eccentric celebrities that populated England’s stages, screens and newspapers in the 1920s, accompanied by unique orchestral renditions of Noël Coward songs.”

Performances are at Lighthouse today and tomorrow May 8 and 9 with performances at 7.30pm and a Wednesday matinee at 2.30. Call 0844 406 8666 for tickets and full details.