Catch up TV

Episode 24 April 2022

The Royal Ballet performs Tchaikovsky’s magnificent classical ballet in a brand new production by the brilliant young choreographer Liam Scarlett, with sumptuous and evocative designs by John Macfarlane.\n\nThe Royal Ballet’s new production of this iconic classic – the first in over 30 years at Covent Garden – garnered 5-star reviews when it opened in May 2018. Starring the Argentinian ballerina Marianela Nunez in the hugely challenging dual role of Odette/Odile, with Vadim Muntagirov as Prince Siegfried, the ballet is a showcase for the whole company, who dazzle in full royal finery during the ball at the palace and in delicate feathered tutus as flocks of swans in the unforgettable scenes at the moonlit lake.\n\nPrince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans while out hunting. When one of the swans turns into a beautiful woman, Odette, he is enraptured.\nBut she is under a spell that holds her captive, allowing her to regain her human form only at night. Siegfried holds the power to break the curse\nwith a promise of true love – but the evil von Rothbart disguises his daughter Odile as Odette to trick Siegfried into breaking his vow.\n\nPresented by Dame Darcey Bussell and Ore Oduba.

Source: BBC 4