English National Ballet buckle their swashes at MK Theatre

Kidnapping, rescues, abduction and seduction – oh, and moustaches. Po-faced culture and politically correct sensibility this is not. It may be a 19th century classic but in the hands – and feet – of English National Ballet Le Corsaire is a romantic romp.

Inspired by Lord Byron’s 1814 poem, Le Corsaire tells the story of Conrad, a dashing pirate who falls in love with the serially kidnapped Medora, a beautiful and admirably feisty harem girl. But that doesn’t go down so well with his fellow pirates who are not averse to a spot of treachery and counter-abduction. What follows is an exotic spectacle to lift the spirits and warm the heart on even the coldest autumn evening.

Bring on the swordplay, a shipwreck, murder, mayhem and an outrageous, testosterone-fuelled dance display of pirouetting, pirate-y pyrotechnics!

You can sometimes get too much of a good thing which is why, in Anna-Marie Holmes production, the story has been stripped down from its three plus hours length to slightly less than two hours of bold and thrilling entertainment. And it clearly works. There have been rave reviews for Le Corsaire across the board.

Hollywood designer Bob Ringwood (Batman movies, Troy) has created fantastically gorgeous decors and costumes and the sweeping score is played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic orchestra.

Will there be happiness on the high seas? Grab your tickets now and find out!

LISTINGS
Performances: Wed 20 – Sat 23 Nov  
Tickets: From £13
Box Office: 0844 871 7652*
Groups Hotline: 0333 009 5393
Access Booking: 0800 912 6971
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*

*Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.