The Royal Ballet Opens the 2023/24 Season With Carlos Acosta's DON QUIXOTE

The Royal Ballet opens the 2023/24 Season with a revival of Carlos Acosta’s celebrated production of Don Quixote. This production premiered in 2013 and receives its 50th performance on the Royal Opera House stage. This much-loved classic teems with comedy, wit and an abundance of bravura choreography, showcasing the Company at their very best. 

Don Quixote will also be broadcast live in cinemas on Tuesday 7 November, with Mayara Magri performing the role of Kitri, and Cesar Corrales as Basilio. Encore screenings of this performance will be available from Sunday 12 November. 

Based on the epic classic written by Miguel de Cervantes, this stunning production tells the story of the eccentric nobleman Don Quixote and his ever-faithful squire Sancho Panza as they help to bring the young lovers, Kitri and Basilio, together. 

This Season, Principal Dancer Anna Rose O’Sullivan will make her debut as Kitri, taking on some of the most challenging female solos in The Royal Ballet’s repertory. Furthermore, Royal Ballet Principals William Bracewell, Cesar Corrales and Reece Clarke, and First Soloist Luca Acri will make their debuts as Basilio.  

Acosta’s vibrant production evokes sunny Spain and features designs by Tim Hatley and Lighting by Hugh Vanstone. Hatley and Vanstone have worked together on numerous productions including Dreamgirls, Back to the Future and Shrek.  Acosta’s choreography draws on Marius Petipa’s 1869 production of this classic ballet and is set to an exuberant score by Ludwig Minkus arranged and orchestrated by Martin Yates.