Royal Ballet

Manon

In Cinemas 2, 3 & 6 Mar 2024
Conductor
Koen Kessels
Orchestra
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Cast
Natalia Osipova (Manon), Reece Clarke (Des Grieux), Alexander Campbell (Lescaut), Gary Avis (Monsieur G. M.), Mayara Magri (Lescaut’s Mistress)
Music
Jules Frédéric Massenet
Choreography
Kenneth MacMillan
Designs
Nicholas Georgiadis
Duration
3h11 incuding two intervals
Captured live from Covent Garden, London, 7 Feb 2024
Official Event Listing
  • MacMillan’s tragedy has never cut deeper. This 50th anniversary revival feels avid and vital.
    David Jays, THE STANDARD
    A haunting exploration of desire and sexuality. This is simply a production that works; all the pieces are in place. From the bombastic designs to the gorgeous music - played to perfection by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House - it's wonderful.
    Michael Higgs, BROADWAY WORLD
    The Royal Ballet brings beauty to sordid snake pits of Paris. MacMillan’s journey into a world of darkness is performed with consummate craft by a superb company on strong form.
    Lyndsey Winship, THE GUARDIAN
    Scintillatingly moving and exciting. A thrilling revival of a dark, sexy, compassionate masterpiece.
    Siobhan Murphy, THE TELEGRAPH
    Brilliant. A glorious half-century revival of a modern classic. Crackling with sex and cynicism, crime and social injustice, there are parallels with today’s world.
    Jenny Gilbert, THE ARTS DESK
    The Royal Ballet on top form. Natalia Osipova is the ultimate dancer and actor as Manon - I could not take my eyes off her.
    Jim Pritchard, SEEN AND HEARD
    Kenneth MacMillan’s 50-year-old masterpiece still bewitches. It’s a company triumph, night after night.
    Sarah Crompton, THE OBSERVER

Ballet in three acts (1974)

Kenneth MacMillan's ballet of decadence, desire and devastation returns to Covent Garden, celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Torn between her desire of a life of splendour and ​riches and her devotion to her true love Des Grieux, the feckless and capricious Manon pays the ultimate price...

This adaptation of Abbé Prévost’s novel embodies 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.

The heroine’s struggle to escape poverty makes this one of the most dramatic and devastating of ballets, emphasized by Nicholas Georgiadis’ evocative designs that reflect the juxtaposition between Manon’s impoverished origins and the lavish world she longs to inhabit.

For this performance, Natalia Osipova leads a star studded cast in the title role, alongside fellow Royal Ballet Principals Reece Clarke as Des Grieux, Australia's Alexander Campbell as Lescaut and Mayara Magri as Lescaut's mistress.

ROH guidance: Content suitable for ages 14+.

Sydney patrons please note: Due to the overwhelming demand, we're thrilled to announce that there will an additional screening at Palace Moore Park on Sunday 17 March. Advance tickets now on sale!

Royal Ballet

Based at the Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet, led by Director Kevin O'Hare, is Britain’s largest ballet company.  The Company has a wide-ranging repertory showcasing the great classical ballets, heritage works from Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan, as well as new works by the foremost choreographers of today. 

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