City's own Strictly star Kai Widdrington kicks off spectacular season of dance

Nadiya & Kai are at Mayflower Theatre this weekend <i>(Image: Terry Blackburn for The TCB Group)</i>
Nadiya & Kai are at Mayflower Theatre this weekend (Image: Terry Blackburn for The TCB Group)

Southampton's own Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington has kicked off a spectacular season of dance shows at the city's top two theatres.

Nadiya & Kai: Behind The Magic, at Mayflower Theatre on Sunday (June 30), is the first in a series of dance shows taking to the stage there and at sister venue MAST Mayflower Studios this year and next.

The Strictly  professionals share personal stories from their journey through the world of dance.

(Image: Mayflower Theatre)

READ MORE: Move It to Mayflower Theatre for Madagascar the Musical

Also on the bill are a return of Peaky Blinders, the Riverdance 30th anniversary and English National Ballet.

Next up, Acosta Danza Yunior presents Green Shoots at MAST Mayflower Studios from September 19 to 21. The junior company embodies Carlos Acosta’s mission to celebrate Cuban folk.

Northern Ballet bring Romeo & Juliet to the Mayflower stage from October 3 to 5, breathing new life into Shakespeare's masterpiece.

There's a rare chance to see Kathakali in this country when The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company: Kathakali comes to MAST Mayflower Studios on November 4.

(Image: Johan Persson)

Enjoy the world premiere of English National Ballet's Nutcracker from November 28 to 30 at Mayflower Theatre. Join Clara on her journey of discovery, from Edwardian London to the Land of Sweets & Delights.

Birmingham Royal Ballet present Cinderella at Mayflower Theatre from February 6 to 8 2025. The cast of characters include mice, lizards and even a dancing frog.

Avantgarde South Korean choreographer Eun-Me Ahn's joyful riot of dance, music and non-stop movement brings together modern and traditional dance styles from across Asia in Dragons, at Mayflower Theatre from February 24 and 25.

Matthew Bourne's New Adventures version of Swan Lake, at Mayflower Theatre from March 11 to 15, is a reinvention of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece.

(Image: Mayflower Theatre)

Carlos Acosta is thrilled to be bringing his Cuban dance company Acosta Danza back to Mayflower Theatre on May 9 and 10 with Cuban Eclectico. 

Rambert Dance returns to Mayflower Theatre from May 20 to 24 2025 with Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, following huge success in 2023. Rambert’s thrilling stage adaptation captures the Peaky story brilliantly.

Riverdance 30: The New Generation, at Mayflower Theatre from September 25 to 28, celebrates an incredible milestone with a special anniversary tour in 2025.

Tickets from mayflower.org.uk