Romeo and Juliet – The Royal Ballet

The Capulets and Montagues are sworn enemies. Yet it is love at first sight for Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet when they meet each other at the Capulet ball, into which Romeo has sneaked. The two fall in love and they profess their devotion to each other at Juliet’s balcony. They secretly get married.   

The stakes are raised for the young couple when Romeo avenges the death of his friend Mercutio who has been killed by Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin. For this, Romeo is exiled from Verona. Meanwhile, Juliet’s parents are forcing her to marry another suitor. In order to be together, Romeo and Juliet must risk it all.  

A MODERN BALLET CLASSIC 

Shakespeare’s great love story is brilliantly retold through this modern ballet classic celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. The fervent longing of the star-crossed lovers is perfectly captured by Kenneth MacMillan’s impassioned choreography. The flourishing of young love is just as present in Romeo and Juliet’s meeting on the balcony as in their final moments when they desperately cling to life in the tomb. 

PROKOFIEV’S PASSIONATE SCORE 

Prokofiev’s evocative music sets the scene for stolen romantic moments and deadly feuds and sweeps the ballet towards its inevitable and tragic conclusion. Perhaps most recognisable is the Dance of the Knights – the music that accompanies the Montagues and the Capulets as they enter the ball in which the two lovers first meet. 

Captured live at The Royal Opera House.