The Royal Ballet: Tales of Beatrix Potter

Created by Frederick Ashton for a film in 1971, Tales of Beatrix Potter brings alive, with rich characterisation and invention, the famous images and stories of Beatrix Potter. John Lanchbery's music (incorporating mostly forgotten Victorian melodies) is utterly captivating, inspiring spirited playing from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia conducted by Paul Murphy. Christine Edzard's designs conjure up a lost England of field mice and Berkshire black pigs, of foxgloves and shady groves. Swept up in the ballet's childlike exuberance, the entire cast delivers outstanding portrayals of such colourful figures as Jemima Puddle-Duck, Jeremy Fisher, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and the irrepressible Peter Rabbit. Ashton's warm and witty, yet demanding, choreography creates a piece of charm and grace for all ages.