Royal Ballet’s 'Romeo and Juliet' Revival Celebrates 60 Years of Kenneth MacMillan’s Masterpiece

The anniversary production at the Royal Opera House showcases passionate performances and enduring artistry in one of ballet’s greatest works.

Kenneth MacMillan’s 1965 adaptation of Shakespeare’s 'Romeo and Juliet' remains a landmark in storytelling through movement, blending naturalism with classical ballet.
The Royal Ballet’s revival features Yasmine Naghdi as a spirited Juliet and Matthew Ball as an emotive Romeo, praised for their contrasting yet compelling portrayals of young love.
Prokofiev’s powerful score, conducted by Koen Kessels, and Nicholas Georgiadis’s lavish Renaissance-inspired sets and costumes enhance the production’s emotional depth and visual splendor.
Supporting performances, including Joseph Sissens’s dynamic Mercutio and Ryoichi Hirano’s commanding Tybalt, contribute to the production’s dramatic intensity.
The anniversary run continues at the Royal Opera House until May 26, with a live cinema relay scheduled for March 20 featuring a different lead cast.