Does UK dance deserve the global stage? We think so - we’re heading to Australia!
Image c. Damien Raggatt
This June, Last and First Men will be presented at RISING, Melbourne’s festival of new art, music and performance. Known for its ambitious curation and bold international programming, the festival is a major platform for artists working at the edges of form and genre.
Neon Dance’s inclusion in this year’s programme places UK contemporary dance at the heart of a global conversation—one that celebrates artistic risk, innovation, and the power of live performance to speak to urgent global themes.
Originally developed with support from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants, Last and First Men premiered in the UK before touring to Rewire Festival (The Hague) and CTM Festival (Berlin). Its presentation at Melbourne Recital Centre marks an important step in the work’s journey and a rare opportunity for UK dance to be featured in the Asia-Pacific festival circuit—one of the most dynamic creative regions in the world.
For artists, collaborators, and supporters across Swindon, the South West, and the wider UK dance community, this moment reflects not just the trajectory of one company, but the potential of small, deeply-rooted creative organisations to contribute meaningfully to international cultural life.
About the work
Set in a distant future where humanity faces extinction, Last and First Men invites audiences to reflect on legacy, environmental responsibility, and what it means to be human. Narrated by Tilda Swinton, with an original film and score by the late Jóhann Jóhannsson, the work merges movement, sound, and visual art to haunting effect.
Live dance meets original film, cinematic music, and sculptural costume design by Dr Ana Rajcevic, creating a singular performance that explores the edges of dance and immersive experience.
The production was developed in collaboration with CTM Festival Berlin, Sadler’s Wells, Swindon Dance, and Pavilion Dance South West, and supported through Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants.
“When I founded Neon Dance in Swindon in the early 2000s, I couldn’t have predicted that our work would be presented on a stage halfway around the world. This international platform gives us a chance to connect with new audiences, artists, and ideas—and bring that energy back home.”
— Adrienne Hart, Artistic Director
Want to see Last and First Men or stay connected?
Following its presentation at RISING, Last and First Men will continue its international tour before returning to the UK.
Save the date: A major homecoming performance will take place at one of Bristol’s largest concert halls on 26 September 2025.
Further UK and EU tour dates will be announced soon—make sure to join our mailing list or follow Neon Dance to be the first to hear.
If you’re a presenter, educator, or collaborator and would like to discuss hosting, partnering, or learning more about our work, please get in touch.
Whether you're part of the UK’s thriving dance scene, a creative working in Swindon, or someone curious about interdisciplinary performance—we'd love to stay connected.
