Carlos Acosta’s first venture directing one of ballet’s 19th century classics was eagerly anticipated, as was his own starring role in the production (as Basilio), opposite the Argentinian Royal Ballet principal Marianela Nuñez (Kitri). Packed cinemas for the live relay, as well as sold-out houses for his performances, testified to the draw the great Cuban dancer still exerts – and the audiences were not disappointed.

Still built on Petipa’s original choreography, Acosta’s clear dramatic structure and vivid stage action gave the ‘boy gets girl despite her father’ story a more convincing air than usual, with Don Quixote’s parallel obsession with Dulcinea-Kitri coherently woven into the plot.

Acosta’s and Nuñez’s performances were peerless, Tim Hatley’s stage designs vivid and apposite, and this production is surely destined to be a perennial Royal Ballet favourite.

Cast:
- Kitri: Marianela Nuñez
- Basilio: Carlos Acosta
- Don Quixote: Christopher Saunders
- Sancho Panza: Philip Mosley
- Lorenzo: Gary Avis
- Gamache: Bennet Gartside
- Espada: Ryoichi Hirano
- Mercedes: Laura Morera

Choreography: Carlos Acosta after Marius Petipa
Director: Carlos Acosta

Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, October 2013.

".... a jovial and entertaining showcase for classical dancing at its most demanding and exuberant. One of the pleasures of this ballet is to be tickled by Minkus's infectiously melodiuos score... Marianela Nuñez and Acosta delivered sparky, engaging performances." - The Times

"What Acosta has principally aimed for is to clarify the narrative, find a more contemporary vibe for the characters and, above all, to rediscover the ballet's fun. In that, he has largely succeeded." - The Guardian

Extra features: Introduction to Carlos Acosta’s Don Quixote and a cast gallery.

Running time: 125 minutes
Subtitles: N/A
Sound format: 2.0LPCM + 5.1(5.0) DTS