DOUGLAS NICHOLSON has worked with the Royal Ballet companies for over 45 years, starting at the Royal Opera House, London in 1976 and then with Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet (now Birmingham Royal Ballet). During his time at the Royal Opera House Doug worked in both the Stage and Lighting departments, preparing both opera & ballet productions. He worked on many new and established Royal Ballet productions by renowned choreographers including Sir Fredrick Ashton, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, John Cranko, Martha Graham and Dame Ninette de Valois.
In 1983 Douglas Nicholson joined Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet under the direction of Sir Peter Wright. He toured throughout the UK and Overseas with the company. In 1990, Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet relocated to Birmingham to become Birmingham Royal Ballet. In 1995 Nicholson became responsible for presentation of all of the scenic elements for Birmingham Royal Ballet, which coincided with the appointment of Sir David Bintley, CBE, as Artistic Director.
Nicholson collaborated with many of the world’s leading designers and choreographers who have staged productions for Birmingham Royal Ballet. In recent years under the Directorship of BRB’s current director Carlos Acosta, in his role as Head of production Hire & Sales, sending productions to companies worldwide, assisting, supervising, and coordinating all aspects required to stage those productions. Douglas Nicholson also production manages and supervises the making of new works and revivals on behalf of the estates of designers and choreographers, notably with La Fille mal gardée, for companies in Europe, Australia, Asia, and the USA.