Manon

The music you will hear this evening is a skilful compilation of Jules Massenet’s work, though it notably excludes themes from his own opera of the same name. Instead, the score draws from across his wide output to create a dramatic symphonic backdrop for the dancers. The evening is shaped by a shift from the elegant, opulent textures of Paris to the stark, unforgiving atmosphere of a Louisiana swamp. As the performance progresses, listen for the way the lush orchestral arrangements mirror the changing fortunes of the central characters. The choreography is particularly known for its intimate and technically challenging pas de deux, which are used to convey the shifting emotional landscape of the story. You will witness a clear contrast between the grand, crowded scenes of the Parisian demi-monde and the final, desolate moments of the work. Throughout, the visual design by Nicholas Georgiadis provides a detailed and heavy sense of period, anchoring the movement in a world of both beauty and decay.

The Royal Ballet and Opera, based at the Royal Opera House in London, is one of the world's most significant centres for the performing arts. The company is renowned for maintaining a vast heritage of full-length narrative works while fostering new creative voices. This ensemble is particularly celebrated for its dramatic sensitivity and the high technical standard of its dancers. Their home at the Royal Opera House provides a grand setting for large-scale productions, where the company’s ability to combine rigorous classical technique with profound theatrical storytelling is frequently showcased to international acclaim.

This performance takes place at the Royal Opera House in London. As a full-length classical ballet featuring a clear narrative and vivid period costumes, it is well-suited to those visiting the ballet for the first time. There is no specific dress code for this venue; most attendees opt for smart-casual or formal attire. While the total running time and interval details are not currently specified, narrative ballets of this type typically include one or two breaks. Please ensure you are seated before the music begins, as the venue may restrict entry once the performance is underway.