A Christmas treat for the whole family.

A classic returns to The Royal Ballet repertory with Ninette de Valois’ charming and funny Coppélia – a story of love, mischief and mechanical dolls. The intricate choreography is set to Delibes’ delightful score and shows off the technical precision and comedic timing of the whole Company. Osbert Lancaster’s wonderful designs brings this colourful storybook world to life.

The Story: Toy maker Dr Coppélius seems to have a beautiful young woman in his house: Coppélia, who sits and reads on his balcony. Franz and his fellow young villagers are curious about her and how she ignores them all. Franz’s fiancée Swanilda is not pleased by Franz’s interest in another woman, but equally curious. When Dr Coppélius goes to the local tavern, the young villagers slip into his house to introduce themselves to the strangely silent young woman.

Cast & Creatives

Choreography: Ninette de Valois after Lev Ivanov and Enrico Cecchetti

Music: Léo Delibes

Scenario: Charles Nuitter and Arthur Saint-Léon after E.T.A. Hoffmann

Designer: Osbert Lancaster

Conductor: Barry Wordsworth

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Approximate running time: about 2 hours 30 minutes