English National Ballet: Mary Skeaping’s Giselle at Manchester Opera House

Mary Skeaping’s version of Giselle is more than 50 years old, but this stunning revival by the English National Ballet, touring to the Manchester Opera House, still packs a punch. With moments of surprise, suspense and drama – perfectly danced – this exquisite production retains its worthy place in the English National Ballet’s repertoire.

First performed 183 years ago, Giselle is one of the finest ballets of the Romantic age. A haunting tale of innocence and betrayal, it tells the story of a young peasant girl who dies of a broken heart after discovering her lover, Albrecht, has deceived her. Following her death – the Wilis – the spirits of betrayed brides who take their revenge by dancing men to death, gather at her grave ready to welcome her into their fold. Led by Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, the Wilis are ready for Albrecht when he visits Giselle’s grave. Will Giselle’s love protect him from their grasp?

Transporting audiences from the bright optimism of Giselle’s village life to the menacing moonlit world of the supernatural, Mary Skeaping’s production of Giselle features some of classical ballet’s most breathtaking scenes. First performed in 1971, this timeless production retains its seductive power over five decades later.

Suspenseful and beautiful, Skeaping’s mesmerising choreography is set to Adolphe Adam’s atmospheric score, performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic.

This celebrated revival received five-star reviews at the beginning of 2024 – now it returns on a national tour to delight audiences in Manchester, Liverpool and London. Don’t miss the chance to see this great masterpiece of the ballet canon.