Birmingham Royal Ballet Celebrates Summer With LA FILLE MAL GARDEE

The 2017/18 Birmingham Royal Ballet season finishes at The Bristol Hippodrome with the funny and tender La Fille mal gardée. This charming ballet was an instant hit when it was created by Frederick Ashton for the Royal Ballet in 1960. Inspired by Ashton's love of the English countryside, La Fille mal gardée includes some of his most virtuoso, energetic choreography as well as elements of traditional folk dancing.

Ever popular because of its simple, engaging story, wonderful wit and passion, La Fille mal gardée is known for its famous clog dancing widow, dancing chickens and super cute miniature pony. The ballet remains a firm favourite for all the family, ballet aficionados or those new to ballet. The music is by Ferdinand Hérold, freely adapted and arranged by John Lanchbery, to a scenario by Jean Dauberval with designs by Osbert Lancaster and lighting by Peter Teigen.

Lise has a choice to make. Loaded country bumpkin or penniless, hunky farmhand? Of course, there's no contest, but her mum has other ideas. Heels are dug in and sparks fly, as a mother-daughter battle of wills ensues.

David Bintley, Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, commented: "There are many great dancing roles within La Fille mal gardée. There are of course Lise and Colas, the classical leads, but there are also two wonderful character roles in Widow Simone and Alain. I know these two comic roles well having danced them hundreds of times. I was something of a noted Widow Simone myself, and enjoyed performing the very famous Clog Dance which takes place in the second act.

La Fille mal gardée is full of life, full of colour and full of humour. This ballet is cherished all over the world by every dancer who has ever performed in it, and I'm sure it will become just as special to our audiences in Bristol."

With wonderful live music played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, La Fille mal gardée is great fun for audiences of all ages.