The The Royal Ballet is bringing back Kenneth MacMillan’s powerful ballet Mayerling this spring at the Royal Opera House, offering audiences a gripping story of obsession, passion, and tragedy.
Originally created by Kenneth MacMillan, Mayerling is based on the real-life scandal that shocked the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The ballet tells the story of Crown Prince Rudolf and his lover Baroness Mary Vetsera, whose relationship ended in a tragic murder-suicide.
Set in the lavish yet suffocating world of the imperial court, the production explores deep psychological themes through intense and technically demanding choreography. It is widely considered one of the most challenging works in the ballet repertoire.
This revival features several exciting debuts. Principal dancers William Bracewell and Calvin Richardson will perform the role of Crown Prince Rudolf for the first time, a role first created by David Wall.
In the role of Mary Vetsera, originally danced by Lynn Seymour, Fumi Kaneko will make her debut.
Several dancers will also debut as Countess Marie Larisch, a key figure in the story, including Anna Rose O’Sullivan, Claire Calvert, Leticia Dias, and Isabel Lubach. Meanwhile, multiple performers will take on the role of Mitzi Caspar, one of Rudolf’s mistresses.
The production also introduces new interpretations of Empress Elisabeth and Princess Stephanie by a range of dancers, adding fresh depth to the dramatic narrative.
Performances will be accompanied by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, conducted by Martin Georgiev.
In a special initiative, the Royal Ballet and Opera will host a dedicated Young RBO performance on 11 May, offering tickets priced at £30 or less exclusively for audiences aged 16 to 25.
Due to its mature themes, the production is recommended for audiences aged 14 and above.