Witnessing the English National Ballet’s revival of their 1971 Giselle was an experience to savour, one that elevated the standard for this beloved classic to new heights.
The company executed each element to near perfection—Mary Skeaping’s renowned choreography and direction, the meticulous recreation of David Walker’s original set, the evocative lighting and costumes, and the orchestra’s powerful score under Gavin Sutherland’s expert direction. Together, these components coalesced into a afternoon matinee performance of extraordinary intensity and emotion.
This two-act ballet, a cornerstone of the classical repertoire, begins in a peaceful village where Giselle and Albrecht’s ill-fated romance first unfolds, then transitions to a spectral forest inhabited by the ghostly Wilis in Act II. Here, Giselle and Albrecht are briefly reunited, finding forgiveness and peace. The Wilis — spirits of young women who died before marrying — dominate this second act with precise, hypnotic synchronisation, delivering a haunting visual spectacle that left the audience breathless.
The soul of this production lies in the dancers’ ability to infuse the story with genuine pathos, particularly through the powerful performances of Ivana Bueno as Giselle and Daniel McCormick as Albrecht. For Bueno, debuting in this role, it was a triumph of grace and technical finesse. Her portrayal of the iconic “Mad Scene” was strikingly authentic and heart-wrenching. Together, Bueno and McCormick shared a captivating chemistry that heightened each pas de deux, creating an emotional intensity that held the audience in rapt attention.
At its core, Giselle is a timeless tale of love and loss, forgiveness and redemption. What makes this ENB production so compelling is the seamless alignment of all artistic elements, allowing the audience to lose themselves in a world of masterful storytelling and timeless truths. Next, English National Ballet brings this unforgettable performance to Manchester. Audiences there are in for an extraordinary experience, I guarantee!
For more information about the English National Ballet’s Giselle visit ballet.org.uk/production/mary-skeaping-giselle/.
Steve Kinrade
