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West Side Story meets Dangerous Liaisons with a dash of Tarrantino in The Wedding Dance at Birmingham Repertory Theatre this March. A passionate new love story of aspiration and betrayal driven by the seductive rhythms of salsa music and dance, The Wedding Dance features a specially commissioned score by international salsa composer, Alex Wilson.

Set in the intense, hot environment of London salsa clubs, Cuban immigrant Jose is a modern Don Juan and a magnificent dancer.  Arriving in London, he exploits his talent for teaching that most passionate dance of them all - the salsa.  A serial seducer and betrayer, he is surrounded by women who want to be with him and men who want to be like him. When he meets Miranda, innocent and already betrothed, he is faced with an irresistible challenge that proves to be one seduction too far.

Ablaze with sensational choreography by Debra Michaels, the production unites a specially commissioned score by international salsa composer Alex Wilson, with powerful storytelling and direction by Nitro theatre company Artistic Director, Felix Cross.

Research for The Wedding Dance took the company on a fascinating journey across London's vibrant salsa club circuit, where Cross and Choreographer Debra Michaels worked with a group of actors, work-shopping in the rehearsal studio by day and salsa-dancing in London's clubs by night. This experimental process was followed by an inspirational trip to Cuba, working with dancers from the National Theatre of Havana's School of Contemporary Dance, accompanied by local musicians, to develop the integration of movement and dance within the narrative.

The Wedding Dance features a strong cast of ten performers: Madeline Appiah, Anthony Mark Barrow, Natasha Bain, Ben Bennett, David Gyasi, Daniel Hughes, Ernesto De La Cruz Valdes, Ann Marie Lennon, Zoraima Segon Valdes and Troy Titus-Adams.

Writer and Director Felix Cross has been the Artistic Director of Nitro for the last nine years, he has written, composed, directed and produced many shows and festivals including, Slamdunk, A NITRO at the Opera and Passports to the Promised Land. As a London-based  theatre company Nitro are committed to commissioning, devising and producing new music theatre created and performed by black British artists, and has built a strong national reputation for its dynamic, innovative and high quality work.

The menu offers a selection of both classic and modern French dishes whilst using only the best seasonal and local ingredients. Many dishes on the new menu are inspired by Raymond’s childhood meals his mother made including Maman Blanc’s miscellany of salads  (Cherry tomato and red onion, beetroot in balsamic, dill cucumber, Jerusalem artichoke and chive, Dijon mustard carrot), truffle scented foie gras parfait (served with rustic country bread) and Paris ham, gruyere and mushroom herb pancake. The wine list is predominantly French featuring many wines sourced and bought directly from young, energetic wine makers in various regions of France.  The ‘Dine with Wine’ menu offers a two course lunch or dinner (£11.50 lunch/£15 dinner) and includes a glass of wine.