The Mikhailovsky Ballet performs this enduring favourite of the Romantic era.

Considered to encapsulate the essence of the Romantic ballet movement, Giselle is a challenging display piece for ballerinas, who require dramatic and human qualities in Act I and a supernatural, spiritual and loving artistic expression in Act II. This testing title role is taken by Anastasia Matvienko, Ekaterina Borchenko and Irina Perren; all three ballerinas are renowned for their dramatic and balletic interpretation.

The Mikhailovsky theatre is one of the oldest and most celebrated opera and ballet houses in Russia. Opened in 1833, the Mikhailovsky has always been a principal stage for Russian and European artists. During Soviet years renamed Maly Operny, the theatre was an artistic tour de force.

The twenty first century heralds Mikhailovsky’s renaissance. General Director Vladimir Kekhman, patron of arts, has donated in excess of $20 million for the renovation of the theatre and is enthusiastically involved in encouraging its artistic revival. 

Find out more about the rich variety of West End shows on offer in Theatreland.