News

Principal Character Artist Alastair Marriott and Character Artist/Ballet Master Jonathan Howells are to leave The Royal Ballet.

Marriott has been with the Company for 30 years and of his departure Director of The Royal Ballet Kevin O'Hare comments:

‘I would like to thank Alastair for his invaluable contribution to the life of The Royal Ballet. As a distinguished Principal Character Artist he has appeared in a wealth of the Company’s repertory and worked with some of the leading figures from The Royal Ballet’s history including Kenneth MacMillan and Christopher Wheeldon. As a choreographer he has contributed to the canon of The Royal Ballet with the many new works created especially for the Company and for The Royal Ballet School. I wish him continued success in the future’.

Alastair Marriott comments: ‘After completing my education at The Royal Ballet School, I joined the Company in 1988, becoming a Soloist in 1996 and a Principal Character Artist in 2002. I choreographed my first professional ballet for The Royal Ballet in 2003 and my works for the Company include six one act main stage pieces. I'd like to thank The Royal Ballet for my schooling, career and all the opportunities it has provided me with but now is the right time for me to leave the Company to develop my work as a Choreographer.’

Jonathan Howells, Character Artist and Ballet Master is also leaving the Company. 

Director of The Royal Ballet Kevin O’Hare comments: ‘Jonathan had a very successful and varied career as a Soloist with the Company in many roles across our repertory and in recent years has been a valued member of the artistic team, coaching the current generation of dancers, while also acting as creative collaborator with Alastair Marriott on his ballets. We wish Jonathan well for the next steps of his career.’

Jonathan Howells comments: ‘After completing my education at The Royal Ballet School I joined the Company in 1991 and became a Soloist in 1997. I have spent my entire dancing career at The Royal Ballet, undertaking numerous classical and demi classical roles and most recently working as Ballet Master to the Company and as a costume designer. I would like to thank The Royal Ballet as I greatly enjoyed my schooling and career but it is now the right time for me to explore other opportunities and career options.’