Romeo and Juliet

When Romeo and Juliet meet at a ball they fall passionately in love. But their families are sworn enemies, divided by a bitter feud. Can they stay together against a backdrop of hatred and hostility? 

Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan  brings a contemporary interpretation to Sergei Prokofiev's classic score, drawing out the emotional and psychological intensity at the heart of the tale. 

The ballet contains three passionate pas de deux: from the lovers' first meeting and the famous balcony scene to the devastating final tragedy, all set against a wonderful evocation of 16th-century Verona, where a bustling market place erupts into a violent sword fight and a lavish ball is held at an elegant mansion.

MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet first arrived at Covent Garden in 1965, with Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn in the title roles. The performance received a rapturous reception, with 43 curtain calls and almost 40 minutes of applause. 

It has been at the heart of the Company’s repertory ever since, amassing over 400 performances. This classic production has been toured around the world, and was recently adapted for arena-scale performances at the O2 Arena, keeping MacMillan’s vision powerfully alive in the 21st century.