La Fille Mal Gardee Tickets

La fille mal gardee in London

Take a trip to the countryside with La fille mal gardee at the Royal Opera House, in the heart of Covent Garden. Frederick Ashton’s beloved ballet, complete with mischievous antics, maypole dances and a cheerful score, is ideal for both families and long‑time ballet lovers and returns to London for a strictly limited run this spring.

What is the ballet La fille mal gardee about?

Set in a rural village, the story follows Lise, the spirited daughter of Widow Simone, who is in love with the young farmer Colas. Simone, however, has other plans and hopes to marry Lise to the foolish Alain, son of a prosperous landowner. Through secret meetings and clever schemes, Lise and Colas work to outwit Simone’s plans and secure their own happy ending. A rural tale of love and family meddling, the ballet combines classical technique with bucolic humour, incorporating folk‑dance elements such as maypole and clog dances alongside vivacious ensemble work.

The History of La fille mal gardee

La fille mal gardee (French for The Wayward Daughter) is a ballet in two acts choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton for The Royal Ballet and first staged at the Royal Opera House in 1960. Ashton’s version revived the 18th‑century pastoral comedy originally created by Jean Dauberval and inspired by a 1765 painting by Pierre-Antoine Baudouin. Ashton’s version has since become a signature comedy in the Royal Ballet’s repertory. 

The score, rooted in Ferdinand Hérold’s original 1828 music and fashioned into a new orchestral tapestry by Lanchbery, supports Ashton’s light‑hearted choreography, balancing lyrical tenderness with sprightly antics. Highlights often include the pas de ruban, Widow Simone’s clog dance and the maypole sequence, which together reflect the ballet’s pastoral charm.

This production’s colourful design and inventive choreography have made La fille mal gardee a favourite not just in London but with ballet companies worldwide, celebrated for its blend of wit, grace and narrative clarity.

The Cast of La fille mal gardee

Casting varies by performance date, but principal dancers set to appear include: 

• Anna Rose O’Sullivan – Lise
• Patricio Revé – Colas
• Marianela Núñez – Lise
• Vadim Muntagirov – Colas
• Sae Maeda - Lise
• Steven McRae - Colas

The Creative Team of La fille mal gardee 

La fille mal gardee is choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton (The Dream, Cinderella, Symphonic Variations), with music by Ferdinand Hérold, arranged and orchestrated by John Lanchbery (The Tales of Beatrix Potter, Coppélia). The scenario is based on the original ballet by Jean Dauberval (Psyché et l'Amour). 

Design is by Osbert Lancaster (Coppélia, Pineapple Poll), and lighting is by John B. Read (Song of the Earth, Manon).

Tickets for La fille mal gardee at the Royal Opera House 

Sir Frederick Ashton’s feel‑good ballet pairs humour with classical virtuosity as this acclaimed production returns to its Covent Garden home. With its memorable choreography, delightful costumes and engaging story, La fille mal gardee is an ideal introduction to ballet or a rewarding return for seasoned fans. Book your tickets for La fille mal gardee at the Royal Opera House today for a summer of sunshine, wit and romance.