A rollicking story ballet for the whole family
Frederick Ashton’s comic ballet has been performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet since 1962 and is known as a classic piece of modern ballet repertory. Following the story of Lise and her beau Colas, La Fille mal gardée tells the tale of love; familial, unrequited and returned.
Despite her mother’s plans to marry her off to Alain, son of a wealthy vineyard owner, Lise refuses to deny her heart’s desire and continues to sneak off with Colas. The perfect ballet for the whole family, this fun-filled production has comic sketches, farmyard animals, clog dances and even an appearance from a 20-year old Welsh pony.
Beatrice Parma is a technically efficient and artistically beautiful Lise, perfectly capturing her youthful charm and rebellious nature. Paired with a dashing Enrique Bejarano Vidal as Colas, the two make the perfect pair, with the whole audience rooting for the couple’s success.
In the classic role of widow Simone is a blustering Rory Mackay, easily playing his part as an overbearing but sentimental mother with a particular aptitude for clog dancing. However, no-one steals the show more than Alain, played to hilarious perfection by Gus Payne, pairing high technical difficulty with artistic brilliance. Filling the auditorium with giggles, the comic elements of this production are emphasised but not overplayed, with a combination of expressive slapstick and beautifully executed dancing.
These solo performances are backgrounded by a strong ensemble of artists, with a special mention to the crowd-favourite cockerel, performed by August Generalli. No-one could master a rooster’s mannerisms better, except perhaps his clucking harem of hens.
The timeless ribbon element of this production is performed with an infectious vitality, the leading couple creating shapes with their length, the ensemble carrying out the iconic maypole dance, and Parma holding an elegant arabesque, unsupported amongst a sea of pink ribbon.
Accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, this light-hearted revival is the perfect ballet for the whole family. The score, conducted by Paul Murphy captures the levity of the story playing out before it’s audience on stage, bringing all visual elements together to create a flawless production.
An unmissable treat for the young ballerina in the family, this production is the perfect introduction to classical dance. A full-length ballet split into 3 acts, this rendition is easily digestible for the ballet newbie, or the small children in the family.