DVD + Blu-Ray:
The Royal Ballet's Don Quixote 2023

Teeming with comedy, wit and an abundance of bravura choreography, Carlos Acosta's production brings the Spanish heat and romance of Don Quixote to life.

Teeming with comedy, wit and an abundance of bravura choreography, Carlos Acosta's production brings the Spanish heat and romance of Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel Don Quixote to life.

Often regarded as the first modern novel, Cervantes’ epic regales the chivalrous adventures of the eccentric nobleman Don Quixote (Gary Avis) and his faithful squire Sancho Panza (Liam Boswell). The ballet focuses on one of their adventures, where they help to bring a vivacious young couple, Kitri (Mayara Magri) and Basilio (Matthew Ball), together.

This energetic work, originally choreographed in the 19th century by Marius Petipa, is enlivened by Ludwig Minkus’ spirited score. Don Quixote is a wonderful showcase for the virtuosity of The Royal Ballet's Principal dancers, with its joyous ensemble dances and virtuoso solo roles. Created for The Royal Ballet a decade ago, Carlos Acosta’s exuberant production brings the sunshine and charm of Spain to the Main Stage with Tim Hatley’s characterful designs.

"Makes for a full evening of glorious, transporting entertainment." (Culture Whisper ★★★★★)

"The production, designed in bright pastels by Tim Hatley, has sharpened and deepened since it first appeared in 2013, with the Royal Ballet’s dramatic instincts giving the street scenes light, shade and carefully etched movement. " (The Guardian ★★★★)

Genre Ballet
Dance Company The Royal Ballet
Choreography by Carlos Acosta after Marius Petipa
Composer Ludwig Minkus
Conductor Valery Ovsyanikov
Orchestra / Band Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Sets Tim Hatley
Light Design Hugh Vanstone
TV Director Ross MacGibbon
Soloists Mayara Magri, Matthew Ball, Liam Boswell, Thomas Whitehead, James Hay, Gary Avis