Coppelia at Birmingham Hippodrome - Review

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Wed 26 Oct 2022 - Sat 29 Oct 2022

Birmingham Royal Ballet's Autumn season continues with family-friendly Coppelia during half term.



Ideal for first timers to ballet or children, this charming production is at #performances ">Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday October 29.

Although this Peter Wright classic has been a regular and popular production over the years, this latest version seems sharper and brighter.

There's still the same stunningly detailed costumes and although the set is similar it seemed refreshed. The clearest difference is with the dancing - fine and precise footwork lifted up a notch under the directorship of world-famous Carlos Acosta.

Coppelia is a humorous narrative ballet following a pair of mischievous young lovers Swanilda and Franz. They break into the home of their town's inventor Dr Coppelius to find out more about a strange girl they see on his balcony.



Unbeknownst to them, the girl (Coppelia) is a mechanical doll, lovingly created by the professor.

Birmingham Royal Ballet(BRB) favourites Celine Gittens and Tyrone Singleton lead as the young pair and are full of exuberance, bringing plenty of character to the roles.

Although they aren't usually partnered together, they make a refreshing combination and thrill with their usual high standard of dancing ability.

Singleton plays on Franz's happy go lucky nature, cheekily charming the girls in the town. Gittens too has a glint in the eye as she emphasises the fiery tempestuousness of strong-willed Swanilda.



Principal Gittens is particularly mesmerising when imitating the doll with robotic moves en-pointe. She's not just a good dancer though, she has an extra special quality on stage that commands attention.

Big on character, this production has lovely people on the sidelines who give it more depth. Things like Michael O'Hare's emotional reactions as quirky Dr Coppelius and Swanilda's frightened friend, shaking with trepidation as they break into the house.

While the easy-to-follow story builds over the first two acts, the final section becomes a showcase of exhibiting the talent among the ranks of BRB. Dance after exquisite dance in a glittering display to close the show on a feel-good high.

Shimmering tutus, a fairytale village scene and pantomime like characters, all with a happy ending - the child in front of me was mesmerised from start to finish.

Coppelia can't help but charm you with its fantastical plot, lovable characters and dreamy dance sequences. It's feel-good fun making a welcome return for all ages.

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!date 26/10/2022 -- 29/10/2022
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