Sadler’s Wells leaps into cinema with Message in a Bottle, a dance and music crossover featuring Sting’s hits

In an ambitious crossover of dance and music, Sadler’s Wells Theatre has announced the cinematic release of Message in a Bottle, a poignant dance theatre production choreographed by Kate Prince and set to the music of the iconic Sting. From the 30^th May 2024, audiences across the UK will have the opportunity to experience this acclaimed production in cinemas, marking the first time Sadler’s Wells has ventured into cinematic distribution.

Message in a Bottle weaves a compelling narrative of a family torn apart by civil unrest, cleverly intertwined with Sting’s re-recorded hits like Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, and Fields of Gold. These classics, reimagined by Alex Lacamoire and featuring artists such as Beverley Knight, provide the backdrop for this universal story of hope, resilience and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

The production, a collaboration between Sadler’s Wells, Universal Music UK, Birmingham Hippodrome and The Lowry, Salford, was brought to the silver screen in a brilliant collaboration with BAFTA-winning director Marcus Viner. Utilising six 4K cameras, the filming process was designed to offer audiences an immersive and cinematic viewing experience, capturing the dynamic and emotive dance performances that have become synonymous with ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company.

Kate Prince’s choreography, lauded for bringing hip-hop dance into mainstream recognition, presented Sting with a preview of the production, moving the 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist to tears. Prince’s innovative approach to storytelling through dance has garnered acclaim, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the contemporary dance scene.

As Message In A Bottle prepares to make its cinematic debut, the production stands as a testament to the power of dance and music to convey profound narratives, inviting audiences to embark on a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey. 

The editorial unit

Message in a Bottle is released nationwide on 30^th May 2024.