The Maiden of Venice

The evening is built around a reimagined production by Carlos Acosta, who brings his own choreographic vision to the traditional ballet stage. You will hear the score by Ludwig Minkus, a composer whose work is defined by its rhythmic clarity and vibrant, dance-driven energy. The music provides a spirited foundation for the technical demands placed on the dancers. Visually, the production is shaped by Anna Fleischle’s set and costume designs, which ground the narrative in a specific aesthetic world. As the performance unfolds, listen for how the orchestration supports the varying moods of the choreography, shifting from grand ensemble sequences to more intimate moments for the principal dancers. At 165 minutes, the work is substantial in scale, allowing the narrative to develop through a series of structured scenes. The combination of classical music and new direction aims to balance traditional balletic values with a fresh perspective on the source material.

Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the United Kingdom’s leading touring companies, celebrated for its technical precision and wide-ranging repertoire that spans both heritage classics and contemporary works. For this performance, Gavin Sutherland conducts the orchestra, bringing his extensive experience in musical direction for dance. The title role is performed by Yu Kurihara, a dancer noted for her technical facility and stage presence. The ensemble is based in the Midlands but maintains a strong national profile, regularly bringing large-scale productions to major regional theatres across the country.

The performance takes place at the Sunderland Empire, a venue well-suited to the scale of a touring ballet company. With a total duration of 165 minutes, including intervals, this is a full-length evening that requires a significant time commitment. It is ideal if you enjoy immersive, multi-act storytelling rather than a short programme. The venue does not enforce a specific dress code, though many attendees choose smart-casual attire. You should check the venue’s specific arrival advice, as large-scale productions often involve security checks at the door.