Directed and choreographed by former Bolshoi Ballet Soloist, Konstantin Uralsky, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House returns to Eastbourne from 20th to 22nd October, this time to the stage of the magnificent Victorian playhouse the Devonshire Park Theatre. Featuring an impressive cast and accompanied by a large orchestra with over 30 musicians, the company will perform three of the best known family ballets Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Romeo & Juliet.
Swan Lake is a tale of two young women, Odette and Odile, who resemble each other so closely one can easily be mistaken for the other. It is a compelling legend of tragic romance in which a princess, Odette, is turned into a swan by an evil curse. Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful young woman he is instantly captivated – will his love prove strong enough to break the evil spell that she is under? Swan Lake captures, like no other, the full range of human emotions – from hope to despair, from terror to tenderness, from melancholy to ecstasy.
The Nutcracker is a beloved festive classic for the whole family. Based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, it tells the story of a rather sad little girl, whose godfather Drosselmeyer gives her a nutcracker doll as a present on Christmas Eve, which turns into a prince. When midnight strikes, the world turns magical into the wintry glitter of Christmas. Toys come alive, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins.
Romeo and Juliet is the world’s best-known love story. Two innocent youths meet by chance, relishing the discovery and passion of first love – only to be shattered by tragic twists of fate and the destructive hatred of their own families. Romeo and Juliet has become one of the most beloved ballets, capturing the imagination of many generations over the years and continuing to attract audiences worldwide, who love the mystery and romance.
See this trio of captivating ballets during October half term with Swan Lake on Friday 20th October at 7.30pm, The Nutcracker on Saturday 21st October at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Romeo & Juliet on Sunday 22nd October at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced from £26 to £34 (concessions and Under 16s rates available) can be booked online at www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01323 412000.