Name: La Fille mal gardee
Start: 2026-05-23T13:00:00+00:00
Location: Royal Ballet and Opera

Escape to the countryside with Frederick Ashton’s ballet about a capricious girl who hopes to marry her love. Brimming with humour and choreographic invention, La Fille mal gardée is the perfect ballet for all the family.
Lise is the only daughter of Widow Simone, the owner of a prosperous farm. She is in love with the young farmer Colas, but her mother has higher ambitions for her, hoping to marry her off to Alain, the son of the wealthy proprietor Thomas. Desperate to marry Colas rather than Alain, Lise contrives to outwit her mother’s plans.
Inspired by Jean Dauberval’s French ballet, Ashton’s version combines exuberant good humour and an affectionate portrayal of village life. The Royal Ballet’s Founder Choreographer, Ashton hoped to capture the ‘leafy pastoral of perpetual sunshine...the suspended stillness of a Constable landscape of my beloved Suffolk, luminous and calm’. Osbert Lancaster’s colourful designs bring the charm of the countryside to life.
📍 Venue Description: ## About Royal Ballet and Opera
Royal Ballet and Opera is London’s world‑renowned home for opera, ballet and orchestral performance, recently rebranded from the Royal Opera House to better reflect the prominence of both The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera within one united organisation.
This iconic venue sits in the heart of Covent Garden, West End, and presents a thrilling programme of classical [opera](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/opera "opera"), breathtaking ballet productions, [dance](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/dance "dance") and live music throughout the year. The venue’s cultural heritage, striking architecture and central London location make it a must‑visit destination for arts lovers from around the UK and beyond.
### History of Royal Ballet and Opera
Originally opened as the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden in 1732, the building became the official home of Covent Garden’s opera and ballet companies. Over time it established a reputation as one of the most prestigious performing arts venues in the world.
The current structure on Bow Street dates from the mid‑19th century after earlier buildings were lost to fire, and was comprehensively restored and modernised in the 1990s to support contemporary productions and audience experiences. Today, its main auditorium seats over 2,250 people across multiple tiers, combining historic grandeur with state‑of‑the‑art production facilities.
### Where is the Royal Ballet and Opera?
Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD. Located in the vibrant West End theatre district, the venue sits on the famous Covent Garden Piazza — a lively area filled with shops, restaurants and street performers that enrich the visitor experience.
### Nearest Underground & Train Stations
- Covent Garden Underground Station (Piccadilly Line) — a short walk from the venue.
- Leicester Square and Holborn stations are also within ~8–10 minutes’ walk and offer alternative tube access.
- Charing Cross and other mainline stations are within walking distance, providing rail links from across London and beyond.
### Buses to Royal Ballet and Opera
Several daytime and night‑time London buses stop near Covent Garden Piazza and Aldwych, including routes 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 23, 68, 76, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188 and more, making public transport a convenient option for audiences.
### Accessibility at Royal Ballet and Opera
The venue is committed to accessibility for all visitors, offering step‑free access from multiple entrances on Bow Street and Covent Garden Piazza, lifts and ramps to front‑of‑house spaces, and designated wheelchair spaces within performance areas. An Access Scheme provides tailored support, companion tickets and assistive services such as audio descriptions and British Sign Language interpreted performances. Assistance dogs are welcome.
### Dress Code and Visitor Experience
There is no formal dress code, although smart casual attire is commonly chosen by guests attending performances. Inside, visitors can enjoy bars, restaurants and a café for pre‑show meals, intervals and post‑performance drinks. A ground‑floor shop offers curated merchandise inspired by the art form and venue heritage.
### Safety at Royal Ballet and Opera
For patron safety, security checks including bag inspections may take place at entrances. Visitors are advised to arrive early and follow venue guidance to maintain a comfortable and secure environment for all.
✨ Discover the extraordinary at La Fille mal gardee , where magic meets reality in ways you've never imagined! 🏛️ Set in Royal Ballet and Opera nestled in bustling London, EN, this event promises to be a landmark occasion. 📅 Taking place on May 23rd, 2026 at 01:00 PM, it's going to create an atmosphere where every moment becomes a cherished memory. 🌟 Immerse yourself in an experience crafted with attention to every detail, designed to surprise and delight at every turn. They have worked tirelessly to ensure this event exceeds all expectations, bringing together elements of entertainment, innovation, and pure joy. 💫 Book now at 43.00 GBP. 🎊 Don't miss your chance to be part of this remarkable journey!