Performer: Elisha Willis

Celebrating 20 years as Artistic Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, David Bintley brings the company to London, where Balanchine’s Serenade acts as a delicate sorbet before the excesses of Bintley’s own Carmina burana.  

War on a chess board; simplicity and purity of line; and a rollicking Victorian nonsense musical—all rolled into one evening in London this week. Autumn Glory was a true mixed bag of styles and tempos, and recalled Birmingham Royal Ballet’s heritage that had its beginnings at Sadlers Wells Theatre.

The story of Cinderella needs no introduction but the inherent challenge for any new production of this well known fairy tale is to offer an experience that contrasts rather than compares with the much-loved Ashton production that has dominated above all others for over 30 years.This new production by David Bintley in celebration of 20 years of Birmingham Royal Ballet is an absolute delight.