A spectacular opening night for City Lights in Tokyo!
On 23 October 2026, the world premiere of Alastair Marriott’s ballet adaptation of Charlie Chaplin’s film City Lights at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, was met with a standing ovation and seven curtain calls — a wonderful celebration of Chaplin’s timeless artistry.
With Chaplin’s exquisite music, beautifully arranged by Timothy Brock and performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Marriott’s inventive choreography, stunning designs by Dick Bird and evocative lighting by Ellen Ruge, the magic of City Lights found a beautiful new expression through ballet.
At the heart of it all is the beloved story of the Little Tramp and the Blind Flower Girl — full of humour, tenderness and that extraordinary ability Chaplin had to make us laugh one moment and move us to tears the next.
Congratulations to the National Ballet of Japan, the entire creative team and everyone at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, on such a memorable premiere.
More than 90 years after the film first touched audiences, Chaplin’s world continues to inspire artists and move hearts across generations and around the globe.
City Lights runs at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, until 1 November. If you’re in Tokyo, don’t miss it!
Photos by Takashi Shikama