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BrumHour saw La Fille mal gardée at the invite of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
By Dave Massey x.com/BrumHour
Review: Birmingham Royal Ballet La Fille mal gardée at Birmingham Hippodrome
⭐⭐⭐⭐A fun classical ballet
Choreography Frederick Ashton, Music by Ferdinand Hérold freely adapted and arranged by John Lanchbery
Widow Simone (Rory Mackay) is too busy lining her daughter, Lise (Beatrice Parma) up with a suitor (Gus Payne) to realise that Lise has already picked the man she wants, Colas (Enrique Bejarano Vidal).
This is a comedic tale about family, and love set in a farmyard backdrop, there are dancing chickens, a famous clog dance and even a small horse.
The narrative is clear and easy to follow and the concept for the story is over 200 years old with elements from Frederick Ashton‘s 1960s production in the mix. The story of betrothment vs freedom to marry will not sit comfortably with some of the audience and it is very much a reflection of its time.
Beatrice Parma is excellent as our leading lady, strong and powerful, whilst being graceful and elegant. Most of the other characters are there to be comedic around her more serious situation of being married off with Rory Mackay being the most fun and chaotic of these as the Widow Simone. The clog dance is excellent and well worth its reputation in mainstream theatre.
Splitting the production into three acts with two intervals adds a feeling of storytelling to the proceedings. Everyone is very aware they are performing for us which then includes us as the audience. I always leave Birmingham Royal Ballet feeling like I’ve clapped my hands a lot during the evening and certainly, this production is well worth of applause.
A fun classical ballet, La Fille mal gardée is at Birmingham Hippodrome until 28th September 2024. Book tickets here: brb.org.uk/shows/la-fille-mal-gardee.
