La Fille Mal Gardee
Royal Opera House
5/5 based on 1 review (read reviews)- Opens: Saturday, 18 October 2025 -
Booking until: Thursday, 13 November 2025 - Running time: 2hr 15min. Incl. 1 Interval.
La Fille Mal Gardee description
It's a ballet of pure sunshine! You'll adore the beautiful La Fille mal gardee.
Royal Ballet's Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton's deliciously happy ballet takes to the main stage. A delightful story about a beautiful vibrant girl who wants to marry for love, this production is full of humour and inventive choreography, perfect for all the family.
Lise is the wealthy Widow Simone's only daughter. She's in love with a young farmer called Colas, but her ambitious mum wants more for her offspring. She wants Lise to marry Alain, the son of a rich man, but Lise is determined to outwit her mother and marry the man she loves.
The show premiered in Covent Garden in early 1960 to rave reviews, winning hearts and minds. Inspired by a previous French ballet by Jean Dauberval, this version by Ashton blends cheerful, energetic good humour with an affectionate look at English village life, a leafy pastoral place where the sun always shines, inspired by the landscapes of Ashton's beloved Suffolk.
Osbert Lancaster's vivid designs bring the charm of the countryside bursting to life on stage, accompanied by music from Ferdinand Hérold, arranged and orchestrated by John Lanchbery with a scenario by Jean Dauberval. The lighting designer is John B. Read.
Prepare to be whisked away into a fantasy land where the sun always shines. La Fille mal gardee tickets take you to a happy rural place full of heartfelt dancing and gentle humour.
Playing at Royal Opera House
Age restrictions
Ages 5+. Children under the age of five are not permitted into our theatres. Children over age five must have their own ticket and sit next to an accompanying adult.