A joyous ballet inspired by Frederick Ashton’s love of the Suffolk countryside
Choreography: Frederick Ashton
Conductor: Barry Wordsworth
This touching and comedic ballet, first performed in Bordeaux in 1789, was adapted by Frederick Ashton at the beginning of the 20th Century and has been performed by The Royal Ballet ever since.
The story of Lise, her mother Simone and her suitor Colas has strong comedic overtones that are told through beautiful, characterful choreography. The ballet is laced with good humour and a whirl of dancing chickens, grouchy guardians and halfwit suitors take to the stage. Ashton affectionately incorporated elements of national folk dance into his choreography, from a Lancashire clog dance to a maypole dance, making La Fille mal gardée (despite its title) The Royal Ballet’s most emphatically English work. Osbert Lancaster’s colourful designs reinforce the robust wit of the production.This light-hearted and beautiful story makes La Fille Mal Gardée a fantastic choice for dance lovers of all ages.
(2hr 15min)