Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Ballet review: this glorious old ballet refuses to act its age - 4/5 The Royal Ballet inhabits their heritage production like a well-loved home

Matthew Ball and Yasmine Naghdi’s heartfelt lead performances reimagine Kenneth MacMillan’s love at first sight classic

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet continues to enjoy endless popularity, this being its third run by the Royal Ballet since 2019, but when the results are as good, there’s no reason why not. The depth and quality in the ranks was evident as the cast relished the challenges of the Covent Garden signature work.

Sixty years after its creation, you marvel afresh at just what a luxuriant, exciting and extremely powerful work of art this is

The company’s resident choreographer, Juliano Nunes, will be setting the mood for both. Nunes will be creating a new full-length Romeo & Juliet, which will run April 30-May 10, 2026. The ballet danced the John Cranko version for many years before artistic director Angel Corella brought the Kenneth MacMillan version to Philadelphia in 2018.

Read our review of Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Opera House, London: Kenneth MacMillan’s masterly Shakespeare adaptation for the Royal Ballet turns 60

Philadelphia Ballet has announced its 2025/26 season, an exceptional lineup of performances that blend beloved classics with daring new works, reinforcing the company's legacy of artistic excellence.

With Yasmine Naghdi and Matthew Ball in the lead roles for the opening night of Romeo and Juliet yesterday, the audience was mesmerised by this classic, emotional ballet with intricate choreography punctuated by grand ensemble scenes.