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The Royal Ballet in Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée: the most joyous of ballets

Vadim Muntagirov as Colas in Ashton's La Fille mal gardée
© 2025 Alice Pennefather
Vadim Muntagirov as Colas and Marianela Núñez as Lise in La Fille mal gardée
© 2025 Alice Pennefather
James Hay, Thomas Whitehead, Luca Acri and Christopher Saunders in Ashton's La Fille mal gardée
© 2025 Alice Pennefather
Luca Acri as Alain in Ashton's La Fille mal gardée
© 2025 Alice Pennefather
Vadim Muntagirov as Colas, Marianela Núñes as Lise and Luca Acri as Alain in La Fille mal gardée
© 2025 Alice Pennefather
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“Acri captures beautifully the touchingly awkward naivety of the bumbling misfit”
Reviewed at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London on 18 October 2025
La Fille mal gardée (Sir Frederick Ashton)
The Royal Ballet
Jonathan Lo, Conductor
Osbert Lancaster, Set Designer, Costume Designer
John B. Read, Lighting Designer
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden
ABT presents the classics with slightly uneven results
***11
National Ballet of Japan revives Ashton's beloved Cinderella
****1
The Royal Ballet School: a triumphant display of excellence throughout
*****
ABT: Ashton's Sylvia showcases the entire company
*****
Ballet Central at the Linbury: keen to prove its versatility
***11
Natalia Osipova at the Linbury: a revelation
****1
More reviews...
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