history

Back in 2009 we could both see the gap for a new cultural spectacle and we worked to produce our first major show INALA a Zulu ballet over 5 years before it premiered, selling out the largest theatre in Europe and marking the start of many more accolades and achievements since then…
 
Establishing ourselves as a force to be reckoned with in the live entertainment landscape and as entrepreneurs we are not afraid of “firsts”. With INALA we have united for the first time The Royal Ballet and Rambert in a show. It’s the first time that South African traditions and western artistic dance disciplines have been fused in the way they have so successfully and it’s the first time that our white female composer has worked with a legendary South African choral group.
 
INALA was a huge critical success; it was awarded a Grammy nomination for the music; it featured on the Royal Variety Performance seen by millions world-wide; it sold out at premiere venues internationally and most importantly it drew in 30-45% first time theatre attendees and delighted audiences with standing ovations most nights. The 69 shows were watched by over 80,000 people with a PR reach of over 45 million.

Timeline

THE STORY OF
SISTERS GRIMM

 

2009 Sisters Grimm formed their production company after an introduction by a mutual friend in 2008. With a vision to tell stories and create large-scale theatrical performances that bring music, artists and dance history to a new level.

2009

Rapunzel the Final Chapter, Short Film, Co-production between Sisters Grimm & the Royal Opera House Short. With backing from Sir Tony Hall, Sisters Grimm produced a ground-breaking short ballet film using state of the art technology shot entirely at The Clore Studio in The Royal Opera House. The music was composed by Ella Spira and was recorded at Air Lyndhurst Studios, The Bond Hall.

2014 – World Premiere

 

INALA, produced by Sisters Grimm, premiered at Edinburgh International Festival 2014 to sell out audiences. Performed at the over 3000 capacity Playhouse Theatre (the largest theatre in Europe ) Inala had a phenomenal opening for a new work created by two young producers, Ella Spira and Pietra Mello-Pittman.

2014 TELEVISION BROADCAST

 

INALA was performed at the Royal Variety Performance and broadcast on ITV.

2014 CRITICAL ACCLAIM

 

In 2014 Sisters Grimm premiered their first full-length musical dance production, “INALA”, meaning abundance of goodwill in Zulu, with Grammy award winning, South African legends, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, current and former dancers of the Royal Ballet & Rambert. INALA is a marriage of South African choral music and contemporary dance that fuses cultures and storytelling.

A MASSIVE HIT – The Daily Telegraph

 

INTOXICATING – The Telegraph

A new meaning to the expression
‘Feelgood’. – Express

A triumph, Irresistable! – The Guardian

Inspiring, uplifting and utterly
mesmerising! – The Reviews Hub

Warm-hearted and entertaining! – The Evening Standard

2015 INYTERNATUONAL TOURING / RUSSIA

 

International premiere of INALA at the Chekhov Festival in Moscow, receiving standing ovations. Sisters Grimm became a client of United Kingdom Trade and Industry (“UKTI”) and were proud to become part of Downing Street’s GREAT Campaign showcasing the best of the UK, representing Creativity is GREAT. August 2015 Second year running INALA received Critical acclaim and coverage in all major broadsheets. August 2015 INALA Audience evaluation results – 60,000 total live audience reach, 30-45% new audiences and 33 million PR reach.

2016 –
GRAMMY NOMINATED

 

WE HAVE BEEN GRAMMY NOMINATED! “Music From INALA,” Ladysmith Black Mambazo with Ella Spira and the Inala Ensemble has been GRAMMY nominated for Best World Music Album.

2016

 

Manchester Theatre Award Nomination for INALA – Best special Entertainment.

2017

 

Voices Of The Amazon has it’s World Premiere at the Pushkin Theatre, Moscow in the Jubilee Chekhov Festival. Followed by UK premiere at Sadlers Wells London. It then plays at Latitude Festival Southwold and has it’s Asia premiere at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands Singapore

2018

 

Sisters Grimm announce the relaunch of Inala with SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR for a 7 week UK regional tour, 3 weeks at the London Peacock Theatre and 1 week in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands featuring Royal Ballet and Rambert dancers and celebrating diversity at a time when it is most needed.

2017

 

Voices of the Amazon wins Brazilian International Press Awards, Voices of the Amazon wins Best Show and is nominated for Best Director.

2018 – Ministry of Sound Showcase Event

 

For the first time ever, the Iconic Ministry of Sound was transformed into a theatrical space showcasing the phenomenal collection produced and directed by Sisters Grimm.