Ever since its triumphant premiere in 1960, Frederick Ashton’s La fille mal gardée has been treasured as one of his happiest creations – his artistic tribute to nature, and an expression of his feelings for his beloved Suffolk countryside. Marianela Nuñez and Carlos Acosta perfectly portray the young lovers Lise and Colas, determined to thwart the plans of Widow Simone to marry off her wayward daughter to Alain, the simple son of wealthy Farmer Thomas. Osbert Lancaster’s colourful, picture-book designs, along with Ferdinand Hérold’s tuneful score, arranged by John Lanchbery, provide the perfect setting for Ashton’s blissfully bucolic ballet, complete with haywain, pony, maypole and ribbons, a cockrel and his chickens and, of course, the famous clog dance, here wonderfully led by William Tuckett as the irascible but lovable Widow Simone.

Lise: Marianela Nuñez
Colas: Carlos Acosta
Simone: William Tuckett
Alain: Jonathan Howells

The Royal Ballet
The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Choreographer: Frederick Ashton
Conductor: Anthony Twiner

Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London on 2nd February 2005.