COPPÉLIA (BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET) Review June 2013

3rd March, 1995 - this production of Coppélia is first performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome. 6th June, 2013 - I see it for the very first time. Some 18 years on from it's premiere in the same venue there was barely a seat in the house left unoccupied. 

This is the story of Franz who falls for Coppélia, a doll left on a balcony by toymaker Dr Coppélius. Much to his fiancée Swanilda's anger, she and her friends enter the workshop and ultimately cause chaos in an attempt to distract Coppélius who is using Franz in an attempt to give life to his beloved doll. 

Previous Cast Photography - Birmingham Royal Ballet

Rory Mackay is delightful as Dr Coppélius, the bumbling character role that provides not only humour but plenty of charm as he works his magic upon the doll, or at least what he believes is the doll. Swanilda swaps positions with Coppélia's and is danced by Ambra Vallo gracefully throughout. All eyes are on her as not only does she execute the most remarkable footwork but her expression is incredibly transfixing and enough to tell a story alone. Tyrone Singleton is lover Franz and commands the stage  - a definite display of strength and control proving to be a technically assured principal.

Choreographed by Peter Wright, this 18-year-old production is in no way dated. The story is just as enchanting as it always was but there is a fresh and exciting vibe that turns the Birmingham Hippodrome into a land of magic and fantasy for it's duration.

What also goes a long way to help the production's breathtaking values is the incredible scenery and costumes by Peter Farmer. We have of course come to see the ballet, not particularly it's surroundings but the three lavish settings really are a spectacle. The Birmingham Royal Ballet orchestra is most impressive and fill the auditorium with a rich sound of Léo Delibes score.

Combine every element of the Birmingham Royal Ballet and it is clear just why they are considered among the best in the world. It is most heartening to know that such a wonderful company have their home here - one of Birmingham's many assets.

Coppélia is true joy. An dazzling and spectacular vision of love without a word uttered. Beautiful.

Watch Coppélia in rehearsals:

Book tickets for Coppélia which runs unil Saturday (8th June) here. You can also book for Birmingham Royal Ballet's future productions: Giselle (BOOK), 'Still Life' At The Penguin Café (BOOK), The Sleeping Beauty (BOOK), The Nutcracker (BOOK), Three Of A Kind (BOOK), The Prince Of The Pagodas (BOOK), Darkness And Light (BOOK) and La Fille Mal Gardee (BOOK).

For prioity booking and discounts, become a Friend of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Click here for more information.

COPPÉLIA: THE RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA (UK Tour) February 2013

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia are currently touring the UK with four classic ballets. They present at least two different ballets at each venue across an extensive tour of the UK. Wolverhampton audiences are treated to The Nutcracker, Coppélia and Swan Lake.

Coppélia is a comic ballet and tells the story of Franz, a village swain who becomes infatuated by a life-like doll, made by the toymaker Dr Coppélius. Franz casts aside Swanhilde, his true hearts desire until she disguises herself as the doll and saves Franz from the hands of the toymaker.

This is a ballet in two acts, but like a lot of ballets, the story is more or less finished at the close of Act I.

What was most welcoming and heartwarming upon entering the auditorium was the sound of a live orchestra tuning up. In an age where pre-recorded music is all too easy and saves a lot of money it is clear that this company embrace tradition. The curtain rose on a quaint village, full of villagers going about their day - it reminds you of the scene inside those large village clocks with the little clockwork people inside, spinning around.

We are soon introduced to Franz (19 year old Kirill Bulychev) and his lover Swanilda (Elena Pogorelaya) who both impress throughout with the finest of technique. Soon after their initial playful dance, Coppélia the doll is revealed in the window, at least for half of the audience. The window was on such an angle that anyone in the centre of the auditorium and further right could not see her. She soon became the focus of everyone's attention as we moved into the toymaker Coppélius' house.

Dr Coppélius (Alexander Kuimov)  appears in the doorway and at first perhaps unrecognisable could well have been mistaken for the Child-catcher who later resembled Professor Snape with the hairdo of Tracy Turnblad. However odd the appearance, he did make up in movement and was commanding of the stage.

The Corps De Ballet are a very young group, no less disciplined and very enjoyable to watch. Their presentation of Alexander Gorsky and Gennady Malkhasiants choreography was most endearing.

The UK Tour of the Russian State Ballet Company continues until 23rd March, more details here.