DANCE legend Carlos Acosta is to return to the stage in Southampton this summer.

The tour On Before, an intensely personal evening of dance conceived, directed and performed by the legendary Cuban performer, will play at Mayflower Theatre, on August 3 and 4.

First conceived by Carlos Acosta in 2010, On Before is an homage to his late mother and the most personal work he has ever created.

It features choreography by world-renowned artists including Russell Maliphant, Kim Brandstrup and Will Tuckett.

The show sees Carlos Acosta perform as both a soloist and alongside Laura Rodriguez, a founding member of his Cuban dance company, Acosta Danza.

A powerful story of a doomed relationship between a man and a woman, On Before is set to a diverse musical repertoire ranging from Handel to Cuban contemporary composer Omar Puente and culminating in a moving finale featuring a live choir performing Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium.

Carlos Acosta CBE, said: “On Before is one of the most special shows I have ever created or danced and holds a place in my heart like no other. I have received incredible support from audiences and venues around the UK over many years and I know how difficult the past year has been for them and our whole sector. I am thrilled to be sharing this show that is personally so important to me with them in a shared act of resilience and optimism.”

On Before was made possible through support from the Culture Recovery Fund.

Tickets are on sale from May 13 at mayflower.org.uk or 023 8071 1811.