A classic returns to the Royal Ballet repertory with Ninette de Valois’ charming and funny Coppélia– a story of love, mischief and mechanical dolls.The intricate choreography is set to Delibes’ delightful score and shows off the technical precision and comedic timing of the whole Company. First performed in 1870, Coppélia has gone on to become one of ballet’s most-loved comedies. Coppelia. Coppélia was a landmark production when it first hit the stage in 1870. for him. Over the years it has been more frequently performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, so this long absence means that, of the 16 leads, 15 of them are making their débuts in these roles on the Covent Garden stage. The Royal Ballet now performs a staging by de Valois from 1954, based on the Russian versions of Coppélia, with designs by Osbert Lancaster. (c) ROH, 2019. The three men had previously created Saint-Léon’s 1866 ballet La Source and when the time to create a new ballet came, they decided on a comedy based on the two stories The Sandman and The Doll by E.T.A. Lovers Franz and Swanilda both want to find out what is going on; but things are even stranger than they seem. Photographed by Bill Cooper. Its positive mood marked a break with the rather heavier, more serious dance theatre that had gone before. And this is one delight that demands a good seat. Director of The Royal Ballet, Kevin O'Hare, has thankfully chosen to revive Dame Ninette de Valois's glorious Coppélia; uniting world class dance and creative genius more than justifying the seeming extravagance of the ticket price. Hoffmann. The ballet does not fail to amaze, and is an absolute must-see for those who … Ninette de Valois’ 1954 production of this rustic comedy ballet has been performed by The Royal Ballet almost 250 times, but it hasn’t been seen at Covent Garden since 2006 (although the Bolshoi brought Sergei Vikharev’s revival of the original Petipa/Cecchetti choreography, in 2010). It’s a funny old ballet. Coppélia is an important part of The Royal Ballet’s history, having been produced and choreographed in 1954 by the company’s formidable founder, Ninette de Valois, after the Ivanov/Cecchetti version. It is set to Léo Delibes' transporting score. When eccentric toymaker Dr Coppélius leaves his greatest creation, the doll Coppélia, on his workshop balcony she’s soon causing quite a stir in the village. Photographed by Bill Cooper. (2) Blending a nearly 150-year-old tradition and core elements of classical ballet, Coppélia is beautifully characterised by minimalism and simplicity, at the same time showcasing the inventiveness of its set design and costumes. On that occasion, Dame Ninette performed the role of Swanilda.