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

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.