The peasant girl Giselle has fallen in love with Albrecht. When she discovers that he is actually a nobleman promised to another, she kills herself in despair. Her spirit joins the Wilis: the vengeful ghosts of women hell-bent on killing any man who crosses their path in a dance to the death. Wracked with guilt, Albrecht visits Giselle’s grave, where he must face the Wilis – and Giselle’s ghost.

Peter Wright’s 1985 production of this quintessential romantic ballet is a classic of The Royal Ballet repertory. Set to Adolphe Adam’s evocative score and with atmospheric designs by John Macfarlane, Giselle conjures up the earthly and otherworldly realms in a tale of love, betrayal and redemption.

Creatives:

Choreography: Marius Petipa after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot

Music: Adolphe Adam Edited by Lars Payne

Conductor: Vello Pahn

Scenario: Théophile Gautier after Heinrich Heine

Production and Additional Choreography: Peter Wright

Designer: John Macfarlane

Original Lighting: Jennifer Tipton Re-created by David Finn

Cast:

To be confirmed

what to expect

The Royal Opera House broadcasts performances from its iconic Covent Garden main stage, offering audiences the best seat in the house, and access to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and rehearsal insights.