The Royal Ballet: Mayerling

Inspired by dark and gripping real life events, this Royal Ballet classic depicts the sexual and morbid obsessions of Crown Prince Rudolf leading to the murder-suicide scandal with his mistress Mary Vetsera. The oppressive glamour of the Austro-Hungarian court in the 1880s sets the scene for a suspenseful drama of psychological and political intrigue as Rudolf fixates on his mortality.

Kenneth MacMillan’s 1978 ballet remains a masterpiece of storytelling and this revival marks 30 years since the choreographer’s death. Expect to see The Royal Ballet at its dramatic finest across potent ensemble scenes and some of the most daring and emotionally demanding pas de deux in the ballet repertory.

Choreography: Kenneth MacMillan

Music: Franz Liszt

Arrangement and orchestration: John Lanchbery

Designer: Nicholas Georgiadis

Scenario: Gillian Freeman

Lighting designer: John B. Read

Conducted by: Koen Kessels

Crown Prince Rudolf: Ryoichi Hirano

Baroness Mary Vetsera: Natalia Osipova

Countess Marie Larisch: Laura Morera

Empress Elisabeth: Christina Arestis

Princess Stephanie: Francesca Hayward

Mitzi Caspar: Marianela Nuñez

Bratfisch: Luca Acri

Emperor Franz Joseph: Christopher Saunders

Colonel ‘Bay’ Middleton: Gary Avis

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House