English
English
1 hr 55 min with 1 interval
4.6
Ijaz AmjadUnited Kingdom
Giselle by Akram Khan was unforgettable because it reimagined a classical ballet with extraordinary emotional power and contemporary relevance. Khan transformed the familiar story into a raw, human experience, using movement that felt both grounded and explosive. The dancers’ physicality—sharp, weighted, and deeply expressive—made every emotion visible, from love and betrayal to grief and revenge.
The performance stood out for its haunting atmosphere. The stark, industrial set and the rhythmic, almost ritualistic score created a world that felt oppressive and fragile at the same time, drawing the audience into Giselle’s inner life. Akram Khan’s choreography blended classical ballet with contemporary and kathak influences, giving the story a new voice while respecting its roots.
What truly made the event unforgettable was the emotional impact. Giselle’s journey was not just watched but felt; her vulnerability and strength lingered long after the curtain fell. The production challenged expectations, pushed boundaries, and proved how a well-known classic can still feel urgent, modern, and profoundly moving.
Akram Khan's Giselle
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until January 18, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 10+ yrs
AboutVenueTicketsReviews
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
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
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 & content guide
- 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!
London Coliseum Read more
The London Coliseum is one of the city's biggest and finest venues, with a capacity of over 2,300 seats. Commissioned in 1904 by Sir Oswald Stoll, a British theater manager and co-founder of the Stoll Moss Group theater company, the London Coliseum was built to cater to a variety of productions and continues to stage a diverse lineup on the West End.
The London Coliseum seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Train: The nearest station is Charing Cross.
- Tube: The nearest stations are Charing Cross Underground Station and Leicester Square Underground Station, served by the Northern, Piccadilly, and Bakerloo Lines.
- Bus: You can take buses stopping on Charing Cross Road (24, 29 and 176) and Charing Cross Station or Trafalgar Square (6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 87 and 91).
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: elevator, restrooms, bar, gift shop, concession stands, cashless payments
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, wheelchair spaces available, assistive listening devices, guide dogs allowed, accessible restrooms, sign language interpreters, transfer seats, Braille cast and synopsis guides
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.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
Ratings & reviews
4.6
5 ratings
4
0
1
0
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Ijaz
Jan 2026Verified booking
Giselle by Akram Khan was unforgettable because it reimagined a classical ballet with extraordinary emotional power and contemporary relevance. Khan transformed the familiar story into a raw, human experience, using movement that felt both grounded and explosive. The dancers’ physicality—sharp, weighted, and deeply expressive—made every emotion visible, from love and betrayal to grief and revenge. The performance stood out for its haunting atmosphere. The stark, industrial set and the rhythmic, almost ritualistic score created a world that felt oppressive and fragile at the same time, drawing the audience into Giselle’s inner life. Akram Khan’s choreography blended classical ballet with contemporary and kathak influences, giving the story a new voice while respecting its roots. What truly made the event unforgettable was the emotional impact. Giselle’s journey was not just watched but felt; her vulnerability and strength lingered long after the curtain fell. The production challenged expectations, pushed boundaries, and proved how a well-known classic can still feel urgent, modern, and profoundly moving.
Ivy
Jan 2026Verified booking
The performance was remarkable! Everyone were so focused because I think like me and the young woman beside me were enjoying the performance and atmosphere. I sat high up but could see everything.
Elgin
Jan 2026Verified booking
IT was a unforgettable Event. Thr dancers, the Show, the atmosphere in the Coliseum was nice and free. I Loved it to be there.
Joana
Jan 2026Verified booking
Ruijia
Jan 2026Verified booking
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Frequently asked questions about Akram Khan's Giselle
How much do the Akram Khan's Giselle tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets starts from £15 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is Akram Khan's Giselle appropriate for?
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.
Where is Akram Khan's Giselle playing in London?
The show is playing at the London Coliseum in London.
What is Akram Khan's Giselle about?
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.
How long does Akram Khan's Giselle run for?
The running time is 1 hour and 55 minutes with one intermission.
Who are the main stars of Akram Khan's Giselle?
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.
What are the popular songs in Akram Khan's Giselle?
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.