Coppelia

What’s at the heart of a woman? Eccentric toymaker Dr Coppélius wants to know, and he’s planning to bring his mechanical doll, Coppélia, to life – he just needs the right spell. Read more …

When Dr Coppélius leaves Coppélia on his workshop balcony she’s soon causing quite a stir in the village. Particularly in the heart of red-blooded young lover Franz, and the jealous mind of his real-life fiancée, Swanilda – who’s mistaken the mannequin for a crying, talking, sleeping, walking rival. With a wild mix of abracadabra, and some mischievous maidens, comic chaos is riotously unleashed when humans and automatons collide in Dr Coppélius’s spooky toyshop.

Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting production of this joyous and witty ballet is an ever popular celebration of love, with a sparkling score and breath taking choreography. Coppélia is guaranteed to lift the hearts of all the family.

The critical consensus

Coppelia is a lighthearted, entertaining celebration, guaranteed to appeal to all ages. However, on a deeper level, it leaves a sense of the unfulfilled: that it could be so much more.

(*) (*) Susan Lowes, All Edinburgh Theatre, 05/02/2015

A beautiful and impressive ensemble piece of dance.

(*) Justine Blundell, Edinburgh Guide, 05/02/2015

Coupled with Peter Farmer’s design - wood-mushroom and moss-coloured sets and bright embroidered costumes – this Coppélia conjures up a world you long to step into: an intoxicating mix of classical poise and Germanic folklore.

(*) Lucy Ribchester, The List, 05/02/2015