Frederick Ashton’s ballet returns to the Royal Opera house from the 27th September – complete with chickens and a shetland pony. 

The Royal Ballet will perform Frederick Ashton’s final full-length ballet was inspired by his love for the Suffolk countryside and based on a 1789 French ballet originally created by Jean Dauberval.

This uplifting ballet features the gloriously funny clog dance and Fanny Elssler pas de deux. It is a production filled with energy, humour and colourful choreography.

Lise is the only daughter of Widow Simone. Lise loves Colas, a young farmer – but her mother has far more ambitious plans, and is determined that Lise marry Alain, the son of a wealthy landowner…

Returning to the Royal Ballet as guest artist, Roberta Marquez will dance her two final farewell performances in one of her signature roles as Lise. Francesca Hayward, recently promoted to Principal, will also make her debut in this lead virtuoso role, and Valentino Zucchetti and Marcelino Sambé will debut as Colas.

The production will be conducted by Barry Wordsworth, features designs by Osbert Lancaster and lighting by John B.Read.

La Fille Mal Gardee will play at the Royal Opera House from the 27th September until the 22nd October. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com,  Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.