Edward Watson takes the role of Crown Prince Rudolf in Kenneth MacMillan's compelling ballet which lives out the final eight years of Rudolf's life with its relentless downward spiral of political intrigue, drugs and murder. It culminates with the suicide pact at the hunting lodge - known as Mayerling - between Rudolf and his 17-year-old mistress, Mary Vetsera (Mara Galeazzi). Filmed in high definition and recorded in true surround sound.

Mayerling

The quintessential Romantic ballet, Giselle has remained a cornerstone of the classical repertory and captivated audiences all over the world since its premiere in 1841. Peter Wright's landmark production does full justice to this work's great emotional power: making the characters psychologically convincing and emphasizing the contrast between the realism of Act I and the other-worldly in Act II. Making her debut as a member of The Royal Ballet in the title role, Natalia Osipova was hailed as ‘technically and artistically supreme … ethereal and desperately moving’ (Daily Telegraph). As Albrecht, Carlos Acosta ‘partners her with devoted care, and responds to her dazzling dancing with renewed sharpness and attack of his own’

Giselle

Carlos Acosta's first venture directing one of ballet's 19th century classics was eagerly anticipated, as was his own starring role in the production (as Basilio), opposite the Argentinian Royal Ballet principal Marianella Nuñez (Kitri). Still built on Petipa's original choreography, Acosta's clear dramatic structure and vivid stage action gave the ‘boy gets girl despite her father’ story a more convincing air than usual, with Don Quixote's parallel obsession with Dulcinea-Kitri coherently woven into the plot.