The Maiden of Venice

We are presented with a reimagined version of a nineteenth-century classic, where the focus shifts toward a Mediterranean setting. You will hear the expansive and rhythmic score by Ludwig Minkus, a composer whose music is synonymous with the grandeur of the imperial ballet tradition. The evening is shaped by a new production and choreography from Carlos Acosta, which replaces traditional motifs with a more vibrant, regional atmosphere. Listen for how the orchestration supports the narrative arc, providing a lush foundation for the principal dancers. The visual identity of the piece is defined by Anna Fleischle’s designs, which bring the specific light and architecture of Venice to the stage. While the music retains its historical character, the movement and staging aim to provide a modern perspective on the drama, balancing technical precision with a narrative that feels immediate and lived-in.

Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the United Kingdom’s leading touring companies, based at the Birmingham Hippodrome but frequently performing in major regional houses. Known for their versatile repertoire that spans large-scale heritage works and contemporary commissions, they are led here by conductor Gavin Sutherland. The title role is performed by Yu Kurihara, a dancer noted for her technical clarity and expressive range. The production itself is a personal vision from Carlos Acosta, whose work as a director and choreographer often focuses on revitalising the classical canon for twenty-first-century audiences.

The performance takes place at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton and has a total running time of 165 minutes. This includes intervals, making it a substantial evening of theatre that is well-suited to those who enjoy a full-length narrative ballet. As this is a dance production, there is no spoken dialogue or singing to consider. There is no specific dress code for the venue, though many patrons choose smart-casual attire. The length and scale of the production make it a comprehensive introduction to the company's touring style.