Kent


<p>Every so often the internet throws up a cultural hot take that sends the arts world into a polite but pointed spin. Enter Timothée Chalamet, who recently suggested that hardly anyone cares about opera or ballet anymore. Cue a collective raised eyebrow from theatres, dancers and ticket offices across the globe. Because the reality looks rather different. From Covent Garden to New York, opera houses and ballet companies are reporting sold-out runs and younger audiences discovering the art forms through film, fashion and social media. In other words, classical performance is very much alive and kicking. If you fancy seeing what the fuss is about, here are some of the best ballet and opera productions on right now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giselle-the-royal-ballet-14-feb-20-mar"><a href="https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/giselle-marius-petipa-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Giselle</em></a>, The Royal Ballet, 14 Feb-20 Mar</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/giselle-1000x667.jpg" alt="Giselle Royal Ballet" class="wp-image-134197" /></figure>



<p>One of the most famous ballets ever written — and still devastating. A romantic ghost story about love, betrayal and vengeance, Giselle combines breathtaking classical choreography with haunting storytelling. If you think ballet is all tutus and polite applause, the eerie second act (filled with vengeful spirits called the Wilis) will soon change your mind.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;Pure classical ballet at its most dramatic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mayerling-the-royal-ballet-30-mar-18-may"><a href="https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/mayerling-kenneth-macmillan-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Mayerling</em></a>, The Royal Ballet, 30 Mar-18 May</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/mayerling-1000x667.jpg" alt="Mayerling" class="wp-image-134198" /></figure>



<p>If you think ballet can’t be dark, sexy or psychologically intense, Mayerling is the antidote. Kenneth MacMillan’s cult masterpiece tells the scandalous real-life story of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria, culminating in one of the most shocking finales in ballet.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;The dancers perform some of the most demanding choreography in the repertoire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rigoletto-the-royal-opera-25-mar-23-apr"><a href="https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/rigoletto-oliver-mears-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Rigoletto</em></a>, The Royal Opera, 25 Mar-23 Apr</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/11-1-1000x1000.jpg" alt="RIGOLETTO" class="wp-image-133574" /></figure>



<p>Verdi’s operatic thriller about power, revenge and corruption returns in a darkly stylish staging. It contains one of opera’s most famous arias — La donna è mobile — the kind of tune you know even if you think you’ve never heard opera.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;Huge emotions, unforgettable music.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-my-first-ballet-cinderella-new-victoria-theatre-woking-28-29-mar"><em><a href="https://www.ballet.org.uk/production/my-first-ballet-cinderella/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">My First Ballet: Cinderella</a></em>, New Victoria Theatre, Woking, 28-29 Mar</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Cinderella-1000x667.jpg" alt="Cinderalla" class="wp-image-134201" /></figure>



<p>A magical introduction to ballet for mini culture vultures. My First Ballet: Cinderella retells the classic fairytale in a family-friendly format, with a narrator guiding young audiences through the story and a shortened version of Prokofiev’s glorious score. Expect enchanted forests, a sparkling Garden Ball and plenty of storytelling magic — all wrapped up in a gentle 80-minute show designed for children aged three and up.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;Perfect for budding ballerinas (and their parents).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-amp-soul-sadler-s-wells-theatre-london-19-28-mar-plymouth-theatre-royal-plymouth-30-apr-2-may"><a href="https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/english-national-ballet-body-and-soul/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Body &amp; Soul</a>, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London, 19-28 Mar; Plymouth Theatre Royal Plymouth, 30 Apr-2 May</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/body-soul-1000x667.jpg" alt="Body &amp; Soul " class="wp-image-134203" /></figure>



<p>Not all ballet is tiaras and fairy tales. This bold contemporary double bill proves the art form is very much alive. Acclaimed choreographer Crystal Pite presents the UK premiere of Body and Soul (Part 1) – a powerful exploration of conflict and connection – alongside the world premiere of Proper Conduct by Kameron N. Saunders, whose work (he’s danced for Taylor Swift) explores identity and authenticity under society’s gaze.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;Proof that ballet can be bold, contemporary and completely relevant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gentleman-jack-northern-ballet-uk-tour-mar-sep-2026"><em><a href="https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/whats-on/nb-gentleman-jack-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gentleman Jack</a></em>, Northern Ballet, UK Tour, Mar-Sep 2026</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/01/4.jpg" alt="Gentleman Jack Northern Ballet" class="wp-image-6576" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tina Turner the Musical</figcaption></figure>



<p>History, but make it pirouette. Northern Ballet’s bold new production brings the extraordinary life of Anne Lister to the stage – the Yorkshire landowner, diarist and all-round trailblazer often described as “the first modern lesbian”. Drawing on her famously coded diaries, the ballet charts Lister’s defiant life and romances in early 19th-century Halifax, with dramatic storytelling, sweeping choreography and a score that captures both the passion and the rebellion of a woman determined to live life on her own terms.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;A fascinating real-life story turned into a powerful new ballet — and a brilliant excuse to brush up on your Yorkshire history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carmen-uk-tour-mar-may-nbsp"><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/whats-on/?q=Ellen+Kent+carmen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Carmen</em></a>, UK Tour, Mar-May&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/carmen-1000x667.jpg" alt="Carmen" class="wp-image-134216" /></figure>



<p>Passion, jealousy and some of opera’s biggest bangers! This touring production from Ellen Kent’s farewell opera tour brings&nbsp;<em>Carmen</em>&nbsp;to the stage with a full orchestra and international soloists from Opera International Kyiv, Ukraine. Expect plenty of fiery drama set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Seville.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;One of the most thrilling, instantly recognisable operas ever written.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ballet-nights-uk-tour-mar-oct"><a href="https://www.balletnights.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ballet Nights</em></a>, UK Tour, Mar-Oct</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ballet-nights.jpg" alt="ballet nights" class="wp-image-134207" /></figure>



<p>If you want ballet without the formality, this touring gala brings together star dancers performing a mix of classical and contemporary pieces in one evening. The 2026 tour stops at venues including Manchester Opera House, Darlington Hippodrome and Theatre Royal Brighton.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;The perfect way to dip a toe into ballet without committing to a three-hour epic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-red-shoes-birmingham-hippodrome-17-19-mar"><em><a href="https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/the-red-shoes-four" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Shoes</a></em>, Birmingham Hippodrome, 17-19 Mar</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Red-Shoes-1000x667.png" alt="The Red Shoes" class="wp-image-133367" /></figure>



<p>If anyone proved ballet could reach the masses, it’s Matthew Bourne. His Olivier Award-winning stage version of&nbsp;<em>The Red Shoes</em>&nbsp;— based on the iconic Powell and Pressburger film — is theatrical, cinematic and completely gripping. Telling the story of a ballerina torn between love and ambition, it’s set to sweeping Hollywood music by Bernard Herrmann and designed with Bourne’s trademark visual flair. Stunning.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;Impossible not to love — and proof that dance is still, most definitely, culturally relevant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-madama-butterfly-uk-tour-mar-may"><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/ellen-kent-the-farewell-tour-madama-butterfly/new-victoria-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madama Butterfly</a>, UK Tour, Mar-May</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/madama-butterfly-1000x667.jpg" alt="Madama Butterfly" class="wp-image-134227" /></figure>



<p>Also part of Ellen Kent’s farewell opera tour,&nbsp;<em>Madama Butterfly</em>&nbsp;returns in a new production with exquisite sets, including a spectacular Japanese garden and authentic antique kimonos. Performed by international soloists from Opera International Kyiv with a full orchestra, Puccini’s beloved opera tells the heartbreaking story of a young Japanese woman who falls in love with an American naval officer — with tragic consequences.</p>



<p><strong>Why it’s worth seeing:</strong>&nbsp;One of the most moving operas ever written — guaranteed to leave you in pieces.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/best-new-theatre-shows/">Curtain up: The best new theatre shows to see this spring</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/film-tv/classroom-classics-new-film-tv-adaptations/">Back to school: The curriculum classics storming the big screen</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/10-brilliant-days-out-to-book-in-2026/">A well-cultured year: 10 brilliant days out to book in 2026</a></li>
</ul>


Timothée, hon… here are 10 reasons opera and ballet are NOT dead

You may also like