The Royal Ballet Will Perform LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE for Limited Run at Royal Opera House

Frederick Ashton's beloved classic La Fille mal gardée will return to The Royal Ballet this summer. Brimming with wit, warmth and choreographic invention, it remains the perfect introduction to ballet for audiences of all ages. Following an acclaimed, sold-out run earlier in the Season, this much-loved production returns for a limited series of ten performances. 

Audiences will be transported to an idyllic pastoral world through Ashton's affectionate portrait of village life. His choreography, set to Ferdinand Hérold's sparkling score and brought vividly to life by Osbert Lancaster's colourful designs, comes together to create a work of irresistible charm and enduring appeal. 

Anticipated debuts include Mayara Magri, Sae Maeda and Leticia Dias as Lise, with Marianela Nuñez, Natalia Osipova and Anna Rose O'Sullivan also performing the role during the run. Joseph Sissens, Patricio Revé, Luca Acri and Leo Dixon make their debuts as Colas, with Matthew Ball and Vadim Muntagirov also returning to the role. 

La Fille mal gardée premiered in Covent Garden on 28 January 1960 and instantly become a popular staple of The Royal Ballet repertory. Inspired by Jean Dauberval's French ballet, Ashton's version captures the essence of the English countryside, with comic capers, exuberant energy and a love story to melt your heart. Lise, the only daughter of Widow Simone, is in love with the young farmer Colas, but her mother has far more ambitious plans for her.  

The Royal Ballet and Opera has committed to no longer working with live animals in its productions. As part of this commitment, the live pony traditionally seen in Act One will be replaced by a beautifully crafted wooden automata realised by the highly skilled Royal Ballet and Opera props department.