Arthur Saint-Leon and Leo Delibes' ballet Coppelia forms part of every reputable ballet company's repertoire - and we can certainly see why! Combining a perilous, sweet love story, an effervescent score performed by the English National Ballet Orchestra and delightful folk-meets-steampunk inspired props, this production by Ronald Hynd is a must-see for families hoping to introduce their little ones to the world of ballet.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

The lonely, miserly inventor Dr Coppelius lives in a vast house full of his wonderful automaton creations - but his pride and joy is a beautiful life-sized doll that he named Coppelia.

The village in which he lives is about to celebrate its annual harvest festival, and spirits are high - even more so when the handsome youth Franz is about to marry his sweetheart Swanhilde. But on the eve of their wedding, Swanhilde spies her fiance gazing at a beautiful girl on Dr Coppelius' balcony.

Enraged but intrigued, she sets out to discover who this mysterious stranger is - with almost disastrous results for Franz, who is caught snooping in the old house by the nefarious inventor whilst looking for her. Will the two young lovers live to say their marriage? Or will Dr Coppelius be able to bring his beloved doll to life, at the expense of Franz's life?

Coppelia embodies all that young love purports to be, and asks the age-old question: what IS one's true hearts' desire?