The English National Ballet celebrates its upcoming 75th anniversary by bringing a beautifully faithful rendition of ‘Giselle’ to the stage. With the original production of this classic ballet debuting in 1841, this timeless story of love, loss and betrayal has more than stood the test of time.
Erina Takahashi leads the large cast perfectly, offering a masterclass in storytelling through movement. Her performance is both delicate and powerful, as we see her tackle Giselle’s innocence before things take a darker turn midway through. The entire ensemble are at the peak of their craft, their synchronicity is mesmerising; perfectly blending technical procession with emotional depth.
While audiences are undoubtedly there to enjoy world class ballet, the performers aren’t the only stars of the show. The English National Ballet Philharmonic, conducted by Maria Seletskaja, are simply magnificent. The music is meticulously timed to the choreography itself, helping elevate the performances whilst powerfully filling the theatre with Adolphe Adam’s iconic score.
The costuming and staging give a timeless feel, transporting the audience effortlessly into Giselle’s story. The lighting specifically in the dream-like second act helped portray a more haunting atmosphere in the forest, aligning with the shift in tone at this point of the story. The similarity in some of the male dancers' outfits occasionally made it challenging to distinguish between the characters, making following parts of the story a challenge at times.
Recognising that conveying a story through dance alone can be challenging for audiences, the English National Ballet provides accessible resources to help audiences follow along. Not only does the programme offer a detailed synopsis, this is also available for free online on their website. Having this guide really helped enhance my viewing experience, allowing me to fully appreciate each element of the performance, without being distracted trying to work out the narrative. To get the most out the production, I would absolutely recommend utilising these resources.
The company really have put accessibility at the forefront, offering discounts for young people, key workers, and seniors alike. This inclusive approach brings the magic of ballet to a diverse range of people in Manchester, where you can catch ‘Giselle’ until Saturday 2nd November 2024,
Note: My ticket was gifted. Irrespective of whether a show is gifted or bought, I always ensure that my reviews are fair and based on my honest opinion alone.