This classic fairytale represents the battle between good and evil, and the attempt of love to conquer all. The magic of the lakes, forests and palaces is brought to life with glittering designs by John Macfarlane and a sublime score by Tchaikovsky. The Royal Ballet’s sumptuous production of Swan Lake returns to the Royal Opera House stage after its 2020 revival was interrupted by the pandemic’s closure of theatres. This classic of the repertory is testament to the late choreographer Liam Scarlett’s abiding love of classicism and innate musicality, which shine through this production.

Cast

Lauren Cuthbertson (Odette/Odile), William Bracewell (Prince Siegfried)

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Credits

Original choreography Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov

Music Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky

Production Liam Scarlett

Additional choreography Liam Scarlett and Frederick Ashton

Designer John Macfarlane

Lighting designer David Finn

Running times: 3 hours and 20 minutes (including two intervals)