This year marks Richard Alston's 60th birthday and also the 40th anniversary of his first piece of choreography.

This year marks Richard Alston's 60th birthday and also the 40th anniversary of his first piece of choreography.

To celebrate both occasions, he's presenting a special programme at Norwich Theatre Royal on Tuesday and Wednesday (8pm) which includes both new choreography in the case of Blow Over and a revival of one of his most-acclaimed early works, Movements from Petrushka, along with a third work from the rising young company choreographer, Martin Lawrance.

Alston made Movements in 1994, the year he founded the Richard Alston Dance Company.

The action revolves round the figure of Petrushka and is danced to Stravinsky's own solo piano arrangement of his full score played live on stage by young pianist Jason Ridgway.

A virtuosic tour de force, visceral and intense, the work was hailed as a triumph by critics and audiences alike.

Blow Over is a joint commission by Sadler's Wells Theatre and the Dance Umbrella Festival in London.

It's set to the racing pace of American composer Philip Glass' Songs from Liquid Days.

Happy birthday all round.

t 01603 630000 (�16.50-�5); www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk