PERFORMANCE artist Nuno Silva brings the world premiere of his new work A Darker Shade of Fado to Lighthouse in Poole on Saturday, April 26.

Nuno Silva is known to dance audiences for his muscular physicality and fine fado singing, the Portugese tradition of performing sad, mournful, powerful songs.

Nuno performed as the prodigal son in Arthur Pita’s ‘God’s Garden’, to West End audiences in ‘Cabaret’ at the Savoy Theatre and in his inventive, physical theatre role in ‘The Light Princess’ at the National Theatre.

In his new show, Nuno returns to his first love – the fado music of Portugal.

A Darker Shade of Fado brings together an international team of dancers and musicians and promises to hold audiences enthralled with a compelling blend of sensual dance and soul-baring song.

Leading an outstanding cast, Nuno draws on the traditions of his Portuguese roots to evoke the magic of Lisbon’s historical old quarters using live music and song, an absorbing story of love and jealousy and contemporary choreography.

Nuno said: “A Darker Shade of Fado fuses contemporary dance and music with fado music. It’s a tale of love using the magic of music, dance, and contemporary choreography. “I’m absolutely delighted to premiere A Darker Shade of Fado at Lighthouse in Poole. “It’s a wonderful theatre in a really lovely part of the country and everyone there has been incredibly supportive of my new work.”

In honour of the Portuguese tradition of Fado, the audience will be able to taste a little bit of Portugal with traditional drinks and snacks on offer at the theatre bar.

Fado is a musical genre that can be traced to the 1820s in Portugal although its origins remain a mystery. Today it’s still sung in the old quarters of Lisbon and has recently been recognised by UNESCO and added to its World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The show begins at 7.45pm and tickets cost £16 with a discount for students, under 18s, seniors and groups.

Call 0844 406 8666 or go to lighthousepoole.co.uk.