La Fille Mal Gardee

La Fille mal gardee, or The Wayward Daughter, is Ferdinand Herold's three act comic ballet - a popular show, particularly in its Frederick Ashton choreography, which is what Birmingham Royal Ballet are touring. This is a great ballet for younger audience members, or those less familiar with ballet as the story is simple, the dancing superb and there are so may comedic moments to keep you amused and entertained.

As always, Widow Simon's (Lachlan Monaghan) clog dance was a real hoot, beautiful comedic timing to the dance and a real highlight. The Cockerel (August Generalli) and chickens provided excellent interludes and Alain (Tom Hazelby) provided a lot of skilfully executed comedy dance. 

Lise (Momoko Hirata) and Colas (Max Maslen) gave superb performances as the central pair of lovers and the corps de ballet were excellent. In all, a fabulous cast. Bit of a shame that it needs two long intervals, it makes for a late night for younger viewers (and us!) but a genuinely fun evening.

p.s. as a Border Morris dancer I appreciated the stick dance in Act 3 ... not sure we ever look so elegant!