Duration
2 hrs 10 mins with 1 interval
Closing Date
Until January 18, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 10+ yrs
Why Watch Akram Khan's Giselle?
- A dark, groundbreaking reimagining of a classic as you've never seen it, Akram Khan's Giselle is a haunting, urgent tale of love and betrayal set in a ghostly landscape of class divide and lost humanity.
- A celebrated British choreographer, Khan is known for fusing classical Indian dance with modern movement, reflected in Giselle's unique blend of classical ballet with kathak and contemporary dance.
- The Olivier Award-winning production by the English National Ballet has earned standing ovations worldwide, won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance, and features a powerhouse creative team, including Oscar-winner Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and composer Vincenzo Lamagna.
- Playing for a strictly limited run, Giselle's narrative reinterpretation is strikingly resonant in today’s world, and Khan's interpretation of it is a bold reinvention designed to honor its legacy while appealing to modern audiences.
Akram Khan’s Giselle is a groundbreaking reimagining of the 1841 romantic ballet, commissioned for the English National Ballet by Tamara Rojo in 2016. Renowned for his contemporary-meets-classical choreographic voice, Khan transforms the original into a visceral, modern fable of love, exile, and the abused working class. This production marked his first full-length ballet and has since toured internationally to critical acclaim. Designed by Oscar-winning artist Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) with an atmospheric score by Vincenzo Lamagna, adapted from Adolphe Adam’s original music, Giselle is a shining example of cross-cultural storytelling and artistic innovation. The modern masterpiece has won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance and remains one of ENB’s most influential and lauded productions.
Storyline
Once a fragile village girl, Giselle is now a factory worker cast out by a merciless employer. Betrayed by the man she loves and abandoned by the ruling elite, she is thrust into a liminal world where she is haunted by the vengeful ghosts of other outcast women known as the Wilis. There, she must choose between revenge and redemption. Akram Khan’s Giselle doesn’t just retell the ballet’s narrative — it magnifies its tension, transposes its class conflict to a post-industrial nightmare, and explores the emotional toll of powerlessness in a broken world. The result is a ghost story with a conscience, charged with rage, loss, and the possibility of transcendence.
Show timings
Show timings for Akram Khan's Giselle may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: Emily Suzuki as Giselle, James Streeter as Albrecht, Ken Saruhashi as Hilarion, Emma Hawes as Myrtha
Director and choreographer: Akram Khan
Producer: English National Ballet
Music: Vincenzo Lamagna (adapted from Adolphe Adam's original score)
Set, stage, and costume designer: Tim Yip
Top songs
Composed by Vincenzo Lamagna, Giselle's score is a reimagining of Adolphe Adam's original composition. It features notable tracks like the Madness Scene at the end of Act I, where Lamagna builds upon a simple harmonic progression to create a repetitive, mantra-like intensity that mirrors Giselle's emotional descent. This scene, among others, showcases the score's blend of classical influences with modern, industrial sounds, enhancing the ballet's haunting atmosphere and showcasing its contemporary approach to the classic.
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for ages 10 years and above.
Children under the age of 5 years are not permitted at this venue.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
London Coliseum
A multi-arts venue, The London Coliseum was designed by the renowned Theatre Architect, Frank Matcham. It opened in 1904 with the aspirations to become one of London's largest and most luxurious "family" variety theatres. Its original seating capacity is 2,939 people. English National Opera is a highly acclaimed opera company located at the London Coliseum. They are recognized internationally for their rich repertoire of innovative productions conducted by the world's greatest conductors and starring the best available singers. London Coliseum seating plan seating capacity: 2,939
The London Coliseum seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting There
- Address: London Coliseum, St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES, UK
- By metro:
Charing Cross and Leicester Square are the nearest stations served by the Northern, Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines
- By train:
Charing Cross Train Station is the nearest station.
- By bus:
Buses servicing the area include Charing Cross Road (24, 29 and 176) and Charing Cross Station or Trafalgar Square (6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 87 and 91)
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Toilets, Dining outlets, Cloak room, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Elevator access, Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from £15 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The show does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 10 years and above. Children under the age of 5 years are not permitted at the venue.
The show is playing at the London Coliseum in London.
A contemporary reimagining of a classic, Giselle dives headfirst into the struggles of the working class nestled within a story of heartbreak, vengeance, and redemption. An award-winning production, Akram Khan's Giselle incorporates contemporary choreography to bring fresh, emotional depth to a timeless tale.
The running time is 1 hour and 55 minutes with one intermission.
The main stars of the show are Erina Takahashi, Tamara Rojo, and Fernanda Oliveira as Giselle, James Streeter, Aitor Arrieta, and Isaac Hernández as Albrecht, Jeffrey Cirio and Ken Saruhashi as Hilarion, and Emma Hawes and Stina Quagebeur as Myrtha.
The ballet reimagines Adolphe Adam's original composition, which included powerful tracks like the Madness Scene, and features a uniquely contemporary approach to the classic's beloved score. You can find the Giselle playlist here.
