Giselle – Moscow City Ballet

A chilling fairy tale well told, with really nasty fairies. Giselle herself, the outstanding Liliya Orekhova, chooses to defend the rotter Prince (Daniil Orlov) while her ever-constant Hilarion (Talgat Kozhabayev) is driven to his death by the vengeful Willi (vile ghosts of deserted brides). This traditional ballet was given in charming Gothic sets and supported by a small yet impressive orchestra. The corps de ballet managed well on a rather small stage. Highlights were Giselle’s tragic mad scene and death. The cruel fate of Hilarion was all too sudden but still delivered some of the best drama of the evening.

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 2 March 2012

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