The Australian Ballet

Season 2024 has been revealed. Explore the season.

Coppélia

COP TAB Website Image 1280w x 550h

This sparkling tale of magic and mischief romps along to Delibes’ lilting score.

  • Duration

    144 mins / 2 Intervals

Transporting you from the everyday to a magical world, Coppélia is a spectacular production, set to Leo Delibes’ cheery score, that’s perfect for the whole family.

Meet the lovers Swanilda and Franz and their neighbour Dr Coppelius, an eccentric toy maker who dreams of bringing his mechanical toys to life. Dr Coppelius has a daughter who is not what she seems and Swanilda must rescue Franz from the magician’s sinister doll-filled lair – with the help of some fancy footwork!

Sorcery and masquerade, romance and high jinks – don’t miss this performance of the funniest, sunniest ballet you’ll see all year.

Kristian Fredrikson’s costumes and sets are sumptuous, the dancing is neat and engaging, and children in particular will enjoy the story.

The Age

The Story of Coppélia

TAB Coppelia Sydney Photo Daniel Boud 2016 19 1

Production credits

Coppélia

Original choreography Arthur Sain-Leon, revised by Marius Petipa and Enrico Cecchetti and reproduced with original choreography by Peggy van Praagh
Production devised and directed by George Ogilvie
Music Leo Delibes
Costume and set design Kristian Fredrikson
Original lighting design William Akers

Coppelia 3 desktop

Franz is the charming boy-about-town who flirts with danger and magic when, drawn by the alluring Coppélia, he finds himself in Dr Coppelius’ toy workshop. Our Artistic Director David McAllister danced the mischievous Franz as his first principal role.

Coppelia 1 desktop

Kristian Fredrikson’s luscious costumes for Coppélia are beautifully crafted, designed to shine right to the back of the theatre. This is Coppélia's exquisite blue headdress.

Coppelia 2 desktop

Mystery and make-believe! The mischievous Swanilda dresses up as the Coppélia doll inside Dr.Coppelius’ toy workshop in this hilarious scene from Act II.