Manon

We are transported to eighteenth-century France in a production that explores the stark contrast between the pull of true affection and the lure of material wealth. As the evening unfolds, you will hear a score by Jules Massenet that underpins the narrative's emotional weight. The choreography by Kenneth MacMillan focuses on the intense relationship between the central characters, moving from the crowded, bustling energy of Parisian streets to intimate, technically demanding private encounters. We suggest you listen for how the music reflects the shifting fortunes of the protagonists as they navigate a world of high-society glamour and eventual tragedy. The movement is designed to be highly expressive, prioritising dramatic storytelling and human vulnerability over mere technical display. The stage is framed by Nicholas Georgiadis’s visual designs, which recreate the era’s distinct aesthetic through detailed costumes and sets, helping to ground the internal conflict of the characters in a very specific, physical reality.

The Royal Ballet and Opera is the resident company at the Royal Opera House, serving as a cornerstone of the British arts scene. Based in London, the ensemble is internationally recognised for its technical precision and its commitment to maintaining a broad heritage of narrative works. The company typically focuses on a mix of significant nineteenth-century classics and influential twentieth-century creations. This performance highlights their reputation for dramatic integrity, where the dancers are expected to act as convincingly as they move, bringing a depth of characterisation to the historic stage they call home.

This performance takes place at the Royal Opera House in London on 5 November 2026. As a full-length narrative ballet, it is an appropriate choice if you enjoy stories told through movement and music within a traditional theatre setting. The venue does not enforce a strict dress code, though many visitors choose smart-casual attire for an evening in Covent Garden. The total running time has not been specified for this date. Because the story is told entirely through dance, there are no spoken lines or surtitles to follow during the performance.