EntertainmentOpera & Ballet

Coppelia at the Bristol Hippodrome Review

CoppeliaCoppelia
Bristol Hippodrome

Performed by English National Ballet

4-8 November 2014

www.atgtickets.com/bristol

Reviewed by Nicola Erickson

I was lucky to have been chosen to review Coppelia performed by the English National Ballet at the Bristol Hippodrome. I was looking forward to seeing this one the most as I have always had a keen interest in ballet.

Once again, the parking was reliable, I found weekday parking much quieter in the town centre. The standards of customer service and cleanliness at the Bristol Hippodrome were again to a high standard.

The theatre came alive once the orchestra started and the red curtain went up, I had a great seat in the grand circle so could really see the beauty of the gold and red decor.

This charming 19th century comic ballet performed by the National English Ballet started with the opening number introducing the characters and setting the scene. The show opens with Swanilda and her father the burgomaster on the eve of her wedding. Swanilda has cause to doubt her fiancé Franz as she catches him ogling what he thinks is a beautiful girl on Dr Coppelius balcony, Dr Coppelius is a sinister toy make who likes to experiment.

The story continues with the peasants being brought in from the fields by the burgomaster, they must prepare for harvest and also his daughter Swanilda’s wedding day. By the eve of the wedding the lovers have kissed and made up and had fun with the ear of corn, an old legend said if it rattles they would be married. This act features several dances for the couple which are very technical but performed expertly. Dr Coppelius goes to the inn later that evening but bumps into a few revellers, he then drops his key enabling Swanilda and her friends to enter his house to meet the unfriendly girl. At the end of act one and the first interval, and I was glued to the seat. The dancers were so graceful and danced beautifully. I couldn’t take my eye off the scenery, there was so much detail, and combined with the lighting, it really was stunning.

Act two is based in Dr Coppelius sinister room where he tries to transfer power from Franz to the doll not realising Swanilda has taken the dolls place. This was my favourite act as the lead dancer Shiori Chase played the doll with such grace and beauty. Another interval takes place before Act three, which sees the villagers celebrate the wedding with dance and a wedding feast. Dr Coppelius wants revenge but is paid off with gifts money and wine and the festivities continue.

The performance from start to finish was a heart-warming, comical tale suitable for all the family. The cast danced impeccably and I can assure you, you will not be disappointed with this show.

I have to give the show full marks as the performance was breath-taking and the theatre never fails to impress  5 out of 5 for both.

Rating: 5/5 thumbs_up

Tickets cost from £11.90 to £48.90 (plus £4 transaction fee).

The English National Ballet’s Coppelia is at the Bristol Hippodrome until 8 November 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3012.

Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ | 0844 871 3012

5Star

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