Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon returns for its 50th Anniversary
This new year, The Royal Ballet presents Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, marking 50 years since the production’s 1974 premiere, and 100 years since the death of its esteemed designer Nicholas Georgiadis.
Adapted from Abbé Prévost’s novel Manon Lescaut, Manon embodies Kenneth MacMillan at his best, his acute insight into human psychology and his mastery of narrative choreography finding full expression in the impassioned duets of the central couple, visceral and urgent in their desire. With its evocative designs, and powerful tale of poverty, love and longing, the work is one
of the most dramatic and devastating ballets in the repertory. Set to music by Jules Massenet, and with lighting design by Jacopo Pantani, the ballet is regularly performed by companies across the world.
The production’s premiere, which received a standing ovation, was danced by Antoinette Sibley and Anthony Dowell in the lead roles. This revival now offers a new generation of dances the chance to take on some of ballet’s most beloved roles. Debuts include Yasmine Naghdi and Fumi Kaneko as Manon, and Marcelino Sambé, William Bracewell and Calvin Richardson as Lescaut.
In addition to a full stage run, the production will be broadcast live to cinemas across the world on Wednesday 7 February. The cast that night includes Natalia Osipova and Reece Clarke in the lead roles. Encores will follow from Sunday 11 February.
There is also an Insight event – 50 Years of Manon – on 12th January at 7.45pm, which is currently sold out but you can check for returns.
The Royal Ballet
17 January – 8 March 2024
Live in cinemas: Wednesday 7 February 2024, 7.15pm GMT
Encores from: Sunday 11 February 2024, 2pm GMT
£49–£140
Manon Casting
17 JANUARY 2024
WEDNESDAY, 7.30PM
Francesca Hayward, Marcelino Sambé, Alexander Campbell
19 JANUARY 2024
FRIDAY, 7.30PM
Lauren Cuthbertson, Matthew Ball, Ryoichi Hirano
20 JANUARY 2024
SATURDAY, 7.30PM
Yasmine Naghdi, William Bracewell, Luca Acri
3 FEBRUARY 2024
SATURDAY, 1PM
Natalia Osipova, Reece Clarke, Alexander Campbell
3 FEBRUARY 2024
SATURDAY, 7PM
Yasmine Naghdi, William Bracewell, Luca Acri
7 FEBRUARY 2024
WEDNESDAY, 7.30PM
Natalia Osipova, Reece Clarke, Alexander Campbell
9 FEBRUARY 2024
FRIDAY, 7.30PM
Marianela Nuñez, Roberto Bolle, Ryoichi Hirano
14 FEBRUARY 2024
WEDNESDAY, 7.30PM
Lauren Cuthbertson, Matthew Ball, Ryoichi Hirano
17 FEBRUARY 2024
SATURDAY, 1PM
Francesca Hayward, Marcelino Sambé, Alexander Campbell
17 FEBRUARY 2024
SATURDAY, 7PM
Marianela Nuñez, Roberto Bolle, Ryoichi Hirano
23 FEBRUARY 2024
FRIDAY, 7.30PM
Fumi Kaneko, Vadim Muntagirov, Joseph Sissens
26 FEBRUARY 2024
MONDAY, 7.30PM
CAST CHANGE
Sarah Lamb, Ryoichi Hirano, James Hay
27 FEBRUARY 2024
TUESDAY, 7.30PM
Fumi Kaneko, Vadim Muntagirov, Joseph Sissens
2 MARCH 2024
SATURDAY, 1PM
CAST CHANGE
Sarah Lamb, Ryoichi Hirano, James Hay
2 MARCH 2024
SATURDAY, 7PM
Akane Takada, Alexander Campbell, Valentino Zucchetti
5 MARCH 2024
TUESDAY, 7.30PM
Melissa Hamilton, Calvin Richardson, James Hay
8 MARCH 2024
FRIDAY, 7.30PM
Akane Takada, Alexander Campbell, Valentino Zucchetti
Casting is subject to change.