The Royal Opera House presents world-class performances from The Royal Ballet through "The Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinema," a special cinema series that brings the magic of live ballet to movie theaters across Japan. Selected popular productions are screened with innovative and dramatic staging, offering audiences the opportunity to enjoy spectacular performances on the big screen with immersive sound.
The new season, titled "The Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinema 2025/26," runs from December 19, 2025 through July 9, 2026, featuring nine productions, each screened for one week only. This cinema experience offers a luxurious and blissful time, distinct from live theater viewing.
Popular Production Returns with Acclaimed Revival
The Royal Ballet's Cinderella Features Gorgeous, Fantastical Choreography by Master Frederick Ashton
Dance critic Naomi Mori provides expert commentary on the production's highlights
Among all ballet works, Cinderella stands as one of the most popular and beloved by Japanese audiences. This production features choreography by Frederick Ashton, a founding member of The Royal Ballet. Regarding Ashton's choreography, Mori notes, "The duet where the broom becomes Cinderella's partner, the hilarious performances by male dancers in drag as the stepsisters, solos by the seasonal fairies, and the sparkling corps de ballet of the star fairies are distinctive features."
This production marks a commemorative revival celebrating the 75th anniversary of the original premiere in 2022, with renewed sets and costumes for the first time in approximately 10 years for The Royal Ballet. The sets were designed by Tom Pye, who won the Laurence Olivier Award for the Royal Shakespeare Company's stage production of My Neighbor Totoro. He created a spectacular ballroom reminiscent of a garden party filled with blooming flowers. The costumes were designed by Alexandra Byrne, who has been nominated six times for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design and won the Oscar in 2007, creating haute couture-like sophisticated and elegant costumes that add significant appeal to the production.
Special attention should be paid to the Japanese prima ballerina in the title role. Fumi Kaneko performs as Cinderella, portraying the bright, earnest, and pure-hearted heroine. Kaneko continues to rise as a leading prima ballerina representing The Royal Ballet and appears as a guest at theaters worldwide, truly shining as a "Cinderella girl." Mori praises Kaneko, saying, "She effortlessly and brilliantly executes difficult steps, giving a wonderful performance as the heroine who actively opens up her own destiny." The Prince is performed by William Bracewell. "He is perfectly suited for the gentle and noble aristocrat role, and this pairing fulfills the fervent wishes of local fans who have been eagerly awaiting their partnership," Mori explains. Don't miss Bracewell's dashing solo and the sweet, romantic pas de deux in Act 2 at the ball, where their feelings for each other intensify.
Furthermore, the stepsisters make a striking impression, performed by Bennet Gartside, a renowned character artist representing The Royal Ballet, and James Hay, who is well-regarded as an elegant danseur noble who also performs prince roles. James Hay in particular has earned great acclaim for his performance as Lise's mother, Widow Simone, and his lively "clog dance" in La Fille mal gardée. He makes his debut as the magician Drosselmeyer in the cinema release of The Nutcracker opening February 20, marking new territory. Mori notes, "His remarkable recent performances make him impossible to look away from."
Additionally, for this season's revival, Gary Avis, Principal Character Artist/Répétiteur, serves as the new narrator, conveying the production's appeal in an accessible way from various backstage locations. With his acting ability and approachable personality, Avis has been popular in Japan, and he retired from The Royal Ballet last November, making this a final opportunity to see him on screen. Don't miss it.
This dazzling ballet filled with romance, excitement, and laughter from world-class star dancers will surely warm hearts and chase away the winter chill. Enjoy the magical fairy tale from Covent Garden, London at a theater near you.
Read dance critic Naomi Mori's full commentary on Cinderella
#RBOCinderella
February 13 (Fri) – February 19 (Thu) TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi and other theaters – One week limited screening
Performance recorded November 5, 2025 / Running time: 2 hours 41 minutes
■ Official website: http://tohotowa.co.jp/roh/
■ Official X: https://x.com/rbocinema
■ Distribution: Toho-Towa
