Coppélia at Sydney Opera House, Joan Sutherland Theatre

This sparkling tale of magic and mischief romps along to Delibes’ lilting score. It’s amusing fun for the whole family – but its playful confusion of girl and doll packs a contemporary punch in the“uncanny valley” of the modern era.

Swanilda and Franz are in love … until a beautiful stranger appears in town. But Dr Coppelius’ haughty daughter is not what she seems, and Swanilda must rescue Franz from the magician’s sinister doll-filled lair – with the help of some fancy footwork!

Lovingly revived by The Australian Ballet’s founding Artistic Director Peggy van Praagh and Theatre Director George Ogilvie, exquisitely dressed by master designer Kristian Fredrikson, Coppélia brims with lively dancing and 19th-century charm.

Sorcery and masquerade, romance and high jinks – this is the funniest, sunniest ballet you’ll see all year.