Carmel ThomasonThe 2022 premiere of Carlos Acosta’s production of Don Quixote for Birmingham Royal Ballet, although acclaimed for its authentic reimagining, was impacted negatively by the covid times in which it opened.
Four years on, and this revival is firing on all cylinders, giving both the company and the audience the performance it deserves.
In the programme notes Acosta describes Don Quixote as “a ballet for virtuosos”. It is technically challenging as well as requiring strong acting and comic timing from its dancers.
For the audience, however, it is pure escapism, like riding the breeze of a spring morning.
In this sense it is a fantastic entry ballet because it is a straightforward story with terrific classic dance. And this lavish production gives us everything we could ask for – a wonderful live orchestra, colourful sets with some lovely flower arches, dazzling costumes and outstanding dance.
Acosta’s production emphasises the Spanish roots of the story, so we see bustling village scenes, fiery flamenco, caped matadors and live acoustic guitarists on stage among the dancers. Dream sequences provide a space for a wonderful showcase of sparkling tutus from the corp. And, of course, the spectacular solos and pas de deux full of fun, romance and energetic air-splits and high kicks.
Cervantes’ famous knight, Don Quixote, here danced with wit and presence by Dominic Antonucci, may be the title character, but it is the young lovers, Kitri (Beatrice Parma) and Basilio (Enrique Bejarano Vidal) who capture our hearts.
The whole performance feels like a celebration of youth, as we admire not simply the technical skill on display but the stamina to keep this high energy going for a three hour show.
Under Thomas Jung’s baton the Royal Ballet Sinfonia keep Minkus’ score bouncing along with the joy of a child’s skip. It’s an uplifting evening of some of the best classical dance that will no doubt delight seasoned ballet fans and newcomers alike.
Carlos Acosta’s Don Quixote is at Lowry, Salford from 5-7 March 2026.
Cathy Crabb
Leslie James Kerwin