Considered to be the choreographer’s greatest masterpiece, this three act ballet returns to the Royal Opera House from the 28th April. 

Rudolf, the emotionally unstable Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary, is forced to marry Princess Stephanie against his will. His former lover Marie Larisch procures him a young new mistress, Mary Vetsera – who shares his obsession with death.

Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet filled with passion and desperate acts is based on the true events between the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and his teenage mistress in 1889 and their suicide pact. It first premiered on stage in 1978 and received a standing ovation, leading many to regard it as the choreographer’s masterpiece.

Combined with the music of Franz Liszt, this dark and powerful ballet examines the psychological and emotional decline of the crown prince.

This revival of the ballet will see Federico Bonelli and Steven McRae debuting the role of Crown Prince Rudolf alongside Lauren Cuthbertson, Sarah Lamb, Laura Morera and Natalia Osipova dancing the role of Mary Vestera for the first time during this run.

The production features designs by Nicholas Georgiadis and lighting by John B.Read.

Mayerling will return to the Royal Opera House from the 28th April until the 13th May. To book tickets visit:Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.