By james art A ballet with an exciting story 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 the modern ballet repertoire. Following the story of Liz and her suitor Kolas, La Fille mal gardée tells the tale of love; family, unshared and returned.
Despite her mother’s plans to marry her off to Alain, the son of a wealthy vineyard owner, Liz refuses to deny her heart’s desire and continues to elope with Colas. The perfect ballet for the whole family, this fun-filled production includes comic skits, farm animals, clog dancing and even an appearance by a 20-year-old Welsh pony.
Beatrice Parma is a technically efficient and artistically beautiful Lisa, perfectly capturing her youthful charm and rebellious nature. Combined with the elegant Enrique Bejarano Vidal as Colas, the two make the perfect couple, with the entire audience rooting for the couple’s success.
In the classic role of the widow Simone is the exuberant Rory Mackay, who easily plays her role as a domineering but sentimental mother with a particular penchant for clog dancing. However, no one steals the show more than Alain, played to hilarious perfection by Gus Payne, combining high technical difficulty with artistic brilliance. Filling the hall with giggles, the comic elements of this production are emphasized, but not exaggerated, with a combination of expressive slapstick and beautifully executed dances.
These solo performances are supported by a strong ensemble of artists, with a special mention to the crowd favorite Rooster performed by August Generali. No one could have mastered the manners of a rooster better than, perhaps, his brooding harem of hens.
The timeless ribbon element in this production is performed with infectious vibrancy, the lead couple creating shapes with their length, the ensemble performing the iconic Maypole dance, and Parma holding an elegant arabesque, unsupported amid 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 lightness of the story as it plays out before the audience on stage, bringing all the visual elements together to create a flawless production.
An unforgettable treat for the young ballerina in the family, this production is the perfect introduction to classical dance. A full-length ballet divided into 3 acts, this performance is easily digestible for the ballet beginner or young children in the family. Continuing to tour in 2025, this charming revival delivers on every promise.