Christopher Wheeldon’s 2014 acclaimed production of The Winter’s tale will return to the Royal Opera House for its first revival as part of Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary celebrations. 

Nominated for an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance and winning  the 2015 Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Classical Choreography, this is widely regarded to be one of Wheeldon’s finest works.

Wheeldon’s version of Shakespeare’s play is the first three-act adaptation of the Bard’s work since Kenneth MacMillan’s 1965 production of Romeo and Juliet.

King Leontes, possessed by a mad jealousy, believes his pregnant wife Hermione to be having an affair with his childhood friend King Polixenes….

The cast will include the two original casts from the original production as well as a new cast who will make their debuts in the principal roles. Claire Calvert and Thiago Soares make their debuts as Hermione and Leontes, and Francesca Hayward and James Hay as Perdita and Florizel.

The story shows the destruction of marriage through consuming jealousy, the abandoning of a child and what appears to be a hopeless love. Yet in the end it is a story also about forgiveness and hope.

This production features designs by Bob Crowley and atmospheric music by Joby Talbot, showcasing the Royal Ballet’s commitment to creating classic ballets for a 21st century audience.

The Winter’s Tale will appear at the Royal Opera House from the 12th April to the 10th June. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.