Russell T Davies's groundbreaking It's a Sin to be revisited in a "visceral" new format

Acclaimed Channel 4 drama It's a Sin is being reinterpreted for a bold new format.

Contemporary dance company Rambert is teaming up with Factory International to mount a stage version of the deeply affecting story, which explored how the AIDS crisis ravaged a group of friends – and the wider LGBTQ+ community – in the 1980s.

The original version starred Years & Years singer Olly Alexander as Ritchie Tozer, who went from a quiet life in a small English town to the dynamic gay scene of London, where he could finally be himself openly.

Tragically, what begins as a magical period of his life descends into a nightmare, as the reality of the AIDS crisis gradually becomes apparent and strikes mercilessly close to home.

Omari Douglas, Callum Scott Howells, David Carlyle, Nathaniel Curtis and Lydia West also starred in the five-part drama, although there's no word yet on the cast of the stage version, which is in the early stages of development.

"Raw, euphoric and deeply moving, It’s a Sin will be a visceral theatrical experience," promises Rambert in its announcement. "A reckoning and a celebration told through fearless movement. Clubs pulse with possibility. Friendships ignite. Fear edges closer. Lives are changed forever."

It's a Sin writer Russell T Davies will serve as an executive producer on the adaptation, alongside legendary pop duo The Pet Shop Boys and Sink the Pink's Glyn Fussell.

Choreography will be handled by Rambert's Benoit Swan Pouffer, who will also direct, while Kaite O'Reilly will pen the script for the stage version.

Pouffer said: "This is a story we feel compelled to tell right now, and collaborating with Russell – one of the most powerful storytellers of our time – is incredibly exciting.

"Together we're exploring how dance can carry urgent, emotional narratives in a visceral way. I can't wait to share this with audiences."

Davies commented: "It's a Sin was such a special show for me, and it's one of the greatest honours of my life to have it transformed by Rambert into something new and exciting."

The Pet Shop Boys added: "The original TV drama was a landmark series which compellingly presented the reality and tragedy of the AIDS crisis to a mass audience.

"Our song, It's a Sin, was contemporary with the crisis and we are proud to be involved as this important story is interpreted in a different medium."

There's no opening date for the It's a Sin stage production just yet, but the first performance will take place at Aviva Studios in Manchester, with plans for more across the UK and Europe – you can sign up to receive updates from Rambert now.

It's a Sin is available to stream on Channel 4 online and Disney+.

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