The English National Ballet will perform its production of Romeo and Juliet at the Liverpool Empire from October 15-17, with £15.60 tickets available for the show, which has been described as 'one of the greatest love stories ever told.'
A 50th anniversary production
The ballet follows the story of the Montagues and the Capulets as the families are close to violence, but despite their differences, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall desperately in love.
The show was first created by Rudolf Nureyev for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977. Now in its 50th anniversary year, the ballet returns to the London Coliseum, where it first premiered, as well as dates across the UK.
Performance times and debut
There will be shows at 7pm across the three days, as well as two matinee performances at 2pm on Friday and Saturday.
English National Ballet lead Principal Aitor Arrieata will debut as Romeo on opening night of the national tour. He said: "It's funny because when I joined English National Ballet in 2016, Romeo and Juliet was one of the first ballets I performed."
He added: "I've been dancing with Emma (Hawes) for seven or eight years, so I think for us it's quite easy, because we've done such a wide range of ballets together. When we go into the studio, we understand each other really well."
An emotional experience
Arrieata continued: "I think when you go to the theatre, and especially to see this type of ballet, you want the audience to feel something and to go home with a feeling. It can be hope, love, or it can be sad because you just saw a couple dying."
He said: "I think everyone loves a love story, but at the same time, not everything is always happy and positive in a love story. You see the bad side of it as well, and you can maybe see some of your personal life portrayed in that."
Ticket information for upcoming shows at Liverpool Empire Theatre can be found on the ATG website.
