Akram Khan's Giselle

Akram Khan's Giselle description

The English National Ballet brings Akhram Khan's Giselle to the London Coliseum.

An electrifying triumph. Sensational. Staggeringly beautiful. Utterly devastating. These are just some of the words used to describe the latest iteration of Akram Khan’s Giselle, billed as one of the most memorable performances in a decade and a beautiful re-imagining of the romantic ballet classic.

Expect a heartbreaker of a story set against a forbidding backdrop. Giselle is a member of a community of migrant workers called the Outcasts, separated from the factory landlords who exploit them by an enormous wall. Giselle's beloved other half, Albrecht, joins Giselle’s group, but he is actually a landlord in disguise. When she finds out, her fate is sealed. She joins the Wilis, the eerie ghosts of women who seek revenge on the people who wronged them. Giselle still loves Albrecht, but can she save him or will the Wilis wreak their vengeance? And will their love conquer this deepest of betrayals?

The choreography is by Akram Khan, a mesmerising take on the story blending ballet with classical Indian dance called kathak and other contemporary influences with intense results. There's lighting by Mark Henderson, who won the 2006 Tony for Best Lighting Design for his work on The History Boys, plus an extraordinary set by the Academy Award-winning Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), which sets the scene, conjuring the perfect setting for the drama.

Orchestration is by Gavin Sutherland and Dramaturgy by Ruth Little. There's Assistant Choreography by Andrej Petrovic, the Repetiteur is Mavin Khoo and the Sound Designer is Yvonne Gilbert. The score comes from Vincenzo Lamagna, adapted from the original by Adolphe Adam and wonderfully ominous, played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic orchestra.

The ballet celebrates its landmark tenth anniversary at the London Coliseum in 2026 with this riveting story of passion, betrayal and redemption. Whether this is your first time seeing Giselle or you're coming back for more, this unforgettable production will stay in your mind for years to come.

Playing at London Coliseum

St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES GB (venue info)

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