A ballet that's sheer delight for all ages, with a light hearted plot, full of fun and humour, set in a village that's a vision of a long lost, idyllic country life. Created by the Royal Ballet's Founder Choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton 65 years ago, it was his love letter to the countryside, an affectionate portrayal of village life in the past, that also combined comic capers and exuberant energy with brilliantly inventive and technically demanding choreography. It's also famous for its clever and effective ribbon dance and humorous clog dancing episode...
Perfect for all the family, with its simple story, visual gags, fake and real animals (including a Shetland pony) pretty and colourful sets and costumes, it's also an ideal introduction to ballet for children.
Lise, the wayward daughter and Colas, a young farmer, are in love, but her grouchy old mother, Widow Simone, (traditionally played by a man like a pantomime dame) is more ambitious and wants her to marry Alain, the sweet-natured, nitwit son of a prosperous vineyard-owner, but love and Lise will find a way!
Starring Francesca Hayward and Marcellino Sambé
“a complete joy... radiates perpetual sunshine” 5 stars The Independent
“It would be difficult not to be uplifted by the escapism ...A cream tea of a ballet, with plenty of raspberry jam.” 4 stars London Theatre