Neil Jones explains: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a world where 鈥楪ingers鈥 are discriminated against. There鈥檚 a whole storyline that helps us understand the myths and history around being ginger, and in the end hopefully people can see that we should be accepted for who we are.鈥
The concept was born from Jones鈥檚 personal experience as a redhead. It draws on historical myths, pop culture stereotypes, and the resilience of those who鈥檝e felt different. Gingerland reclaims the narrative, turning what once made you a target into a superpower.
The story follows one woman鈥檚 journey as she uncovers her past to help shape her future in a heart-warming and powerful show.
Neil says: 鈥淒uring the show, I鈥檓 the narrator and I have a superpower 鈥 I鈥檓 in control of time. And there are characters including a General who鈥檚 against 鈥楪ingers鈥, and the Ginger Resistance fighting against him.鈥
Using the Cathedral as a stunning backdrop to Gingerland, audiences can expect Latin, hip-hop, ballroom, contemporary and street styles, along with mind-bending effects and slow-motion sequences.
A multi-award winning dancer, Neil Jones holds 45 dance championship titles including eight British National and European, and four World Latin Championship wins. He has been part of the BBC鈥檚 mega-hit show Strictly Come Dancing since 2016 as choreographer and pro dancer, partnering with celebrities including Alex Scott and Toyah Willcox.
Jones鈥檚 first show for Lichfield Festival, in 2018 鈥 Somnium: A Dancer鈥檚 Dream 鈥 was so successful that it transferred to London鈥檚 famous Sadler鈥檚 Wells. 鈥淚t was the first ever Latin and Ballroom show to be performed at Sadler鈥檚 Wells and an honour to get it accepted,鈥 Neil says.
Gingerland is at Lichfield Festival on 10 and 11 July. Tickets and details from lichfieldfestival.org or 01543 306271 (call-back service).