February 2019 The Royal Ballet present Romeo and Juliet, Kenneth MacMillan’s dramatic masterpiece at the Royal Opera House Tuesday 26 March – Tuesday 11 June 2019 | roh.org.uk | #ROHromeo Matthew Ball and Yasmine Naghdi in Romeo and Juliet. © ROH, 2015. Photographed by Alice Pennefather Revival features a host of debuts from across the Company, including Akane Takada, Beatriz Stix-Brunell, Anna Rose O’Sullivan, William Bracewell, Marcelino Sambé and Reece Clarke. Principal dancer with American Ballet Theater, David Hallberg makes his debut in this production as Romeo opposite Natalia Osipova as Juliet. Production relayed live to cinemas and on Tuesday 11 June 2019. This Spring, The Royal Ballet revives Kenneth MacMillan’s 20th-century dramatic masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet. Set to Sergey Prokofiev’s seminal score, the ballet contrasts romantic pas de deux with a series For all Royal Opera House press releases visit www.roh.org.uk/for/press-and-media of vibrant ensemble scenes, set against the backdrop of 16th-century Verona as evoked by Nicholas Georgiadis’s designs. A work which has been performed by The Royal Ballet more than 400 times since it was premiered at Covent Garden in 1965, Romeo and Juliet is a classic of the 20th-century ballet repertory, and showcases the dramatic ability of the Company, as well as incorporating a plethora of MacMillan’s signature challenging choreography. During the course of this revival, Akane Takada, Beatriz Stix-Brunell and Anna Rose O’Sullivan debut as Juliet. Also performing the role during this run are Principal dancers Francesca Hayward, Sarah Lamb and Marianela Nuñez. William Bracewell, Marcelino Sambé and Reece Clarke perform as Romeo for the first time, and American Ballet Theater Principal David Hallberg returns to the Royal Opera House to make his debut in The Royal Ballet production opposite Natalia Osipova. Principal dancers Steven McRae and Vadim Muntagirov reprise their roles as Romeo during this revival. On Tuesday 11 June 2019, Romeo and Juliet will be relayed live into cinemas around the world as part of ROH Live Cinema, featuring Principal dancers Yasmine Naghdi and Matthew Ball. ENDS NOTES TO EDITORS Choreography Kenneth MacMillan Music Sergey Prokofiev Designer Nicholas Georgiadis Lighting designer John B. Read Conductor Koen Kessels Orchestra of the Royal Opera House CASTING Tuesday 26 March, Wednesday 10, Friday 26 April at 7.30pm – Lauren Cuthbertson, Matthew Ball Thursday 28 March, Saturday 27 April, 7.30pm- Akane Takada, Steven McRae Saturday 13 April, 1.30pm- Anna Rose O’Sullivan, Marcelino Sambé Page 2 of 4 Saturday 27 April, 1.30pm and Saturday 4 May at 7pm- Melissa Hamilton, Reece Clarke Wednesday 1 May, 7.30pm, Saturday 4 May at 1.30pm, Saturday 11 May at 7pm- Sarah Lamb, Vadim Muntagirov Saturday 11 May, 1.30pm, Tuesday 14 May, 7.30pm and Saturday 25 May, 7pm- Francesca Hayward, Cesar Corrales Monday 13 May, 7.30pm and Saturday 25 May at 1.30pm- Beatriz Stix-Brunell, William Bracewell Friday 17, Thursday 23, Wednesday 29 May 7.30pm- Marianela Nuñez, Reece Clarke Wednesday 22 May, 7.30pm and Saturday 1 June, 7pm- Natalia Osipova, David Hallberg Saturday 1 June, 1.30pm, Tuesday 11 June, 7.30pm- Yasmine Naghdi, Matthew Ball 1. For further information or interview requests please contact Sarah Farrell. 2. For press ticket requests please contact Hannah Last. 3. Images are available to download here. About the Royal Opera House The Royal Opera House’s aim is for many more people to enjoy and engage in exceptional ballet and opera. As The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, we bring together the world’s most extraordinary ballet and opera artists in more than 500 performances every year: live events that thrill, move and excite, and that transport people to other worlds though music, dance and theatre. About The Royal Ballet Page 3 of 4 Under the directorship of Kevin O’Hare, The Royal Ballet unites tradition and innovation in world-class performances, and is a driving force in the development of ballet as an art form. Based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, it brings together today’s most dynamic and versatile dancers with a world-class orchestra and leading choreographers, composers, conductors, directors and creative teams to share awe-inspiring theatrical experiences with diverse audiences worldwide. The Company’s extensive repertory embraces 19th-century classics, the singular legacy of works by Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan and the compelling new canon of work including pieces by Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor, Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon and Artist in Residence Liam Scarlett. Page 4 of 4 .