Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers encounter passion and tragedy in Kenneth MacMillan's 20th-century masterpiece.

The year 2022 marked the 30th anniversary of the great choreographer Kenneth MacMillan's death, testifying that his works are evergreen. Romeo and Juliet was his first full-length ballet premiered in 1965, and is unarguably one of the monumental works among his masterpieces. His impassioned, naturalistic choreography shows The Royal Ballet at its dramatic finest. The dancers playing the star-crossed lovers have a wealth of opportunity for powerful interpretation, not least in the celebrated pas de deux. Around them, the whole Company creates the colour and action of Renaissance Verona, where a busy market bursts into sword fighting and a family feud leads to tragedy for the Montagues and Capulets. Prokofiev's beautiful score sweeps this dramatic ballet towards its inevitable, emotional end.

Romeo and Juliet
Ballet in three acts

Choreography Kenneth MacMillan
Music Sergey Prokofiev
Designer Nicholas Georgiadis
Lighting Designer John B. Read

Photos: Alice Pennefather / ROH

Photo: ROH and Donald Southern

Kenneth MacMillan (1929-1992)

Kenneth MacMillan was one of the leading choreographers of his generation. His close association with The Royal Ballet began when he joined Sadler's Wells School (now The Royal Ballet School) aged 15. His ballets are distinguished by their penetrating psychological insight and expressive use of classical language. Among his many great ballets are Manon and Mayerling.

*Programmes and casting as of 26 December 2022 are subject to change. Changes in the programmes or the cast do not entitle holders to return or exchange tickets.