Coppélia @ The Mayflower, Southampton
We’re no ballet experts here, but we know what we like and we’ve loved the English National Ballet productions we’ve seen at The Mayflower in Southampton previously, so despite the weather outside being pretty grim we set out from home ready to be entertained.
From the off Coppélia is a fascinating little piece, the score by Léo Delibes is surprisingly perky and reminds you that unlike it’s contemporaries in 19th century ballet, Coppélia is neither tragic nor magical, but rather a whimsical (and surprisingly delightful) comedy.
The lead role of Swanilda is danced gracefully and playfully by Shiori Kase. At only 22 she is not only a wonderful dancer but acts the part well and lights up the whole theatre with her beaming smile. Fernando Bufalá makes for an engaging Franz, playing irect to the audience in some scenes with a knowing wink.
Together they form an impressive pair, the diminutive Kase looks almost doll-like and Bufala puffs his chest out and strides the stage like a matinee idol. Both dance beautifully, Kase has more poise but Bufalá is a powerful counterpoint with an impressive leap.
The “villain” of the piece, Dr Coppélius, could easily be a two dimensional fiend, but Michael Coleman makes him a cranky old fellow who dearly loves his creations and the moment he softens in the third act is portrayed beautifully. Elsewhere there are a number of wonderfully nuanced performances and some great acting going on outside the central dances, Laurretta Summerscales once again catches the eye with a cheeky moment hidden at the back of the stage as she sneaks drinks from the son of the landlord during the harvest dance.
Next to The Nutcracker, Coppélia might be the best ballet to introduce a young audience to and there were a number of children in the theatre last night who seemed to be loving every moment. For us we can’t wait to see ENB again and if you’ve never seen a ballet but want to give it a go, now is the time to check it out!
