Manon - The Coliseum

SYNOPSIS

Manon

The English National Ballet perform Manon at the London Coliseum on St Martin's Lane in the West End this Christmas. It is the story of Manon Lescaut - a youthful and vibrant young lady who is caught between two men vying for her attention. Based on the creation of the renowned 18th century French author, Antoine François Prévost, Manon captures the decadence and dark desires of the early 18th century - an age of 'enlightenment' - in Paris and in New Orleans. The ballet made its international debut back in 2003 with the Royal Danish Ballet. Performances at the London Coliseum - for the London premiere of the show - run from 2nd January, 2009 to 11th January, 2009.

Manon Lescaut

Manon Lescaut is a purely fictional character taken from the pages of Prevost's L'Histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut. The novel was published in 1731 to much controversy because of its explicit and scandalous content. It was banned in France, but still became popular as pirated copies of the book were widely distributed.

The story focuses on the early womanhood of Manon Lescaut and her love affair with le Chevalier Des Grieux - son of a noble family with much land and wealth to their names. Le Chevalier Des Grieux is however disowned when he runs away with Manon to Paris. The two lovers spend time together, but grow increasingly poor. They move to New Orleans, but when their unmarried status is revealed the Governor's nephew begins to court Manon in an attempt to win her hand in marriage.

The English National Ballet production of Manon brings the characters of Prevost's novel to life with much passion and verve. It is a steamy tale, and one that sees Manon eventually choose the pure love of Des Grieux over the materialistic and luxurious existence offered by the moneyed Monsieur G.M.

The London Coliseum

The London Coliseum is synonymous with the English National Opera, having been its 'home' since 1968. The venue is occasionally used by the English National Ballet, as it is for this short-run production of Manon. The theatre is of Italian Renaissance style, and is now a Grade II listed building. It was designed by architect Frank Matcham and offers 2,358 seats over a 4-level auditorium. The venue first opened to the public on 24 December, 1904.

The English National Ballet

Founded in the 1950s the English National Ballet has become a world-renowned ballet company. The company pride themselves on producing ballet of the highest quality and bringing it to the widest geographical region possible at a price that all can afford. This they have achieved with tremendous success - the company tour extensively through the UK and abroad.

At the core of the English National Ballet are 67 professional ballet dancers. For larger productions, such as for performances at the Royal Albert Hall, the number of dancers may be increased to 120. Supporting the dancers is the Orchestra for the English National Ballet, of which there are 47 members.