Mayerling, the haunting and psychologically intense ballet by Kenneth MacMillan, returns to the Royal Opera House for Spring 2026, bringing one of the most demanding works in the classical repertoire back to the stage.
Inspired by the real-life tragedy that shook the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the ballet dramatises the final days of Crown Prince Rudolf and his mistress, Baroness Mary Vetsera.
Their infamous murder-suicide scandal continues to fascinate audiences, and MacMillan’s interpretation remains one of ballet’s most powerful explorations of obsession, politics, and psychological decline.
Set amid the stifling opulence of the Imperial court, Mayerling explores the depths of human psychology with some of the most technically demanding choreography in the ballet repertory.
During this run, Principal dancers William Bracewell and Calvin Richardson make their debuts as Crown Prince Rudolf, the role originated by David Wall. In the role of Mary Vetsera, created by Lynn Seymour, Fumi Kaneko makes her debut. Anna Rose O’Sullivan, Claire Calvert, Leticia Dias and Isabel Lubach make their debuts in the role of Countess Marie Larisch.
Yuhui Choe, Leticia Dias, Hannah Grennell, Chisato Katsura, Mariko Sasaki, and Charlotte Tonkinson all make their debuts as Rudolf’s mistress, Mitzi Caspar.
Other debuts include Nadia Mullova-Barley and Mica Bradbury as Rudolf’s mother, Empress Elisabeth, and Madison Bailey, Sae Maeda, Ella Newton Severgnini, Viola Pantuso and Marianna Tsembenhoi as Princess Stephanie.
Dancers of The Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House under the baton of Martin Georgiev.
The Royal Ballet and Opera will host a bespoke Young RBO performance on Monday 11 May, with every seat in the House reserved for those aged 16 – 25 years old, and costing £30 or less.
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