Royal Ballet: Manon (2026 cinema broadcast)

Yasmine Naghdi and William Bracewell lead The Royal Ballet in Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, a story of love, wealth and survival in eighteenth-century Paris. Koen Kessels conducts the Massenet score.

Manon falls in love with the student Des Grieux while being drawn towards the money and comfort offered by wealthy Parisian society. Kenneth MacMillan’s three-act ballet follows the consequences of her divided loyalties, with choreography that gives the central relationship its emotional weight.

The Royal Ballet’s 2026 cinema performance stars Yasmine Naghdi as Manon and William Bracewell as Des Grieux, with Koen Kessels conducting the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. The official live broadcast is scheduled for 27 October 2026 at 19:15 GMT; later local screenings are recorded presentations. This is MacMillan’s ballet using an arrangement of Massenet’s music, distinct from Massenet’s opera Manon.

Ucheldre Centre, 27 October 2026 at 19:15 GMT: The Royal Ballet cinema programme is Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, using Massenet’s music and Nicholas Georgiadis’s designs.

Farnham Maltings, 27 October 2026: Kenneth MacMillan’s Royal Ballet production follows Manon’s conflict between love and the lure of wealth in eighteenth-century Paris, set to Massenet’s music with Nicholas Georgiadis’s designs. Farnham lists the cast as to be confirmed; Koen Kessels is the named conductor. Published running time: 190 minutes including two intervals. Certification TBC. Doors: 27 October 2026 19:15 screening: doors 18:45. For wheelchair spaces or other special requirements, contact the box office on 01252 745444.