The Royal Ballet 2023-2024 season has been announced today revealing a diverse programming that includes special focus on the company’s Founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan.
Two programs are dedicated to Ashton kicking off the opening of ASHTON WORLDWIDE, the Frederick Ashton Foundation’s five-year international festival honoring his legacy; The Sarasota Ballet will share the stage for this honorary event.
MacMillan’s romantic Manon, which celebrates its 50th anniversary, and a triple-bill program showcase the choreographer’s extraordinary artistic mark on the ballet canon.
Three full-length ballets will see revivals, including Don Quixote which opens the spectacular season, Swan Lake and the annual Nutcracker.
Other story ballets during the season are:
- Artistic Associate of The Royal Ballet Christopher Wheeldon’s The Winter’s Tale
- Resident Choreographer Wayne McGregor’s The Dante Project
- Cathy Marston’s The Cellist
There is also no lack of world premieres as The Festival of New Choreography will present never-been-seen-before works on the Main Stage as well as in the Linbury Theatre.
The Royal Ballet 2023-2024 Season Schedule

Don Quixote | September 30 – November 17, 2023
Royal Opera House
- Don Quixote by Carlos Acosta

Anemoi / The Cellist | October 20 – November 2, 2023
Royal Opera House
- Anemoi by Valentino Zucchetti
- The Cellist by Cathy Marston

The Nutcracker | December 6, 2023 – January 13, 2024
Royal Opera House
- The Nutcracker by Peter Wright after Lev Ivanov

Manon | January 17 – March 8, 2024
Royal Opera House
- Manon by Sir Kenneth MacMillan

Festival of Choreography | February 15-21, 2024
Royal Opera House
- TBD

Swan Lake | March 6 – June 28, 2024
Royal Opera House
- Swan Lake by Liam Scarlett and Frederick Ashton after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov

Kenneth MacMillan Program | March 20 – April 13, 2024
Royal Opera House
- Danses Concertantes by Kenneth MacMillan
- Different Drummer by Kenneth MacMillan
- Requiem by Kenneth MacMillan

The Winter’s Tale | May 3 – June 1, 2024
Royal Opera House
- The Winter’s Tale by Christopher Wheeldon

Frederick Ashton Program 1 | June 6-19, 2024
Royal Opera House
- Les Rendezvous by Frederick Ashton
- The Dream by Frederick Ashton
- Rhapsody by Frederick Ashton

Frederick Ashton Program 2 | June 7-22, 2024
Royal Opera House
- The Dream by Frederick Ashton
- Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan* by Frederick Ashton
- Hamlet and Ophelia* by Frederick Ashton
- The Walk to the Paradise Garden* by Frederick Ashton
- Rhapsody by Frederick Ashton
*performed by Sarasota Ballet
Featured Photo for The Royal Ballet 2023-2024 Season from The Royal Opera House website.