SWAN LAKE: ROYAL BALLET (KESSELS)

Swan Lake is perhaps the best-loved of all the classical ballets and has a special place in The Royal Ballet's repertory. This new production by Artist in Residence Liam Scarlett features additional choreography while remaining faithful to Petipa and Ivanov's classic. John McFarlane's opulent designs provide an atmospheric, period setting for this enthralling love story, illuminated by Tchaikovsky's sublime score. Marianela Nunez brings both poignancy and glitter to the dual role of Odette / Odile, with Vadim Muntagirov as the yearning Prince Seigfried, while the corps de ballet are showcased at their spellbinding best as the enchanted swans and cygnets. What a magnificent achievement this is. The young choreographer Liam Scarlett has given Covent Garden it's first new Swan Lake in 30 years, and it's a winner. Big, bold, and beautiful, it's completely distinctive- Scarlett has put his stamp all over this production- yet it honors the traditions of the Royal Ballet. (The Times)