Woolf Works Tickets

Woolf Works in London

Woolf Works is an Olivier Award-winning contemporary ballet that blends literature, movement and emotion in an unforgettable evening. This immersive work is choreographed and directed by Wayne McGregor, with an original score by Max Richter, and is presented as a triptych inspired by Virginia Woolf’s work, evoking the stream‑of‑consciousness brilliance of Woolf’s writing through dance, film, design and atmosphere. Be sure to book early to secure tickets for this unique ballet event, coming to the Royal Opera House in the heart of Covent Garden this winter for a strictly limited run.

What is the ballet Woolf Works about?

Woolf Works is a contemporary ballet triptych that distils the essence of Virginia Woolf’s writing into three evocative scenes. Rather than following a linear plot, the work unfolds in a flowing stream of consciousness that mirrors Woolf’s own literary style.

The triptych draws its title and structure from three of Woolf’s works: Mrs Dalloway, exploring connection, memory and the pulse of a single day; Orlando, a shape‑shifting meditation on identity and time; and The Waves, a deeply lyrical depiction of life’s emotional and temporal currents.

The History of Woolf Works 

Woolf Works was commissioned by The Royal Ballet and premiered on 11 May 2015 at the Royal Opera House, marking McGregor’s first full‑length ballet for the company. The production won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and multiple Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards.

Rather than retelling Woolf’s novels literally, McGregor draws on the emotional and psychological resonance of her writing, shaping the ballet as a collage of memories, identities and inner life. The ballet’s three acts - I now, I then, Becomings and Tuesday - are inspired by Mrs Dalloway, Orlando and The Waves, respectively. Since its debut, Woolf Works has been revived internationally, including performances at prestigious companies such as La Scala Theatre Ballet in Milan and American Ballet Theatre in the United States.

The Creative Team of Woolf Works

The creative vision of Woolf Works is led by Wayne McGregor (Tree of Codes, Genus), who serves as both choreographer and director. Dramaturgy is by Uzma Hameed (Mary Stuart). 

Grammy and Emmy-nominated composer Max Richter (The Hours, Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons) composed the production’s original score, blending classical, electronic and atmospheric sound worlds. Richter’s score for the ballet was released as an album titled Three Worlds: Music from Woolf Works in 2017.

The visual and physical world of the ballet is shaped by a team including designers Ciguë, architecture firm We Not I and McGregor himself. Moritz Junge (Così fan tutte) provides costume design, with makeup design by Kabuki, lighting design by Lucy Carter (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), film design by Ravi Deepres (Hatton Gallery) and sound design by Chris Ekers (MADDADDAM).

The Cast of Woolf Works

Principal casting varies across the run, and features leading artists from The Royal Ballet, including:

• Sarah Lamb
• Marianela Nuñez
• Natalia Osipova
• Marianna Hovanisyan.

Tickets for Woolf Works at the Royal Opera House

Woolf Works is a ballet that challenges conventions, celebrates artistic innovation and immerses you in Virginia Woolf’s poetic inner worlds through movement, music and visual spectacle. Whether you’re a ballet devotee or discovering contemporary dance for the first time, this production is essential viewing for 2026. Book your tickets for Woolf Works at the Royal Opera House today!