15 pictures of English National Ballet at Bristol Hippodrome - a mesmerising show like I’ve never seen before

It’s not classical or traditional and there are no tutus or men in tights, but English National Ballet’s acclaimed production of Akram Khan’s Giselle is quite possibly the best thing you’ll see all year at the Bristol Hippodrome.

A rare UK performance of this modern classic, it’s simply a mesmerising and unmissable interpretation of one of the greatest romantic ballets of them all.

With a stunning set featuring a huge rotating wall and atmospheric monochrome lighting, there are sound effects - white noise, static and scratching - as well as a rousing score performed live by the 50-piece English National Ballet Philharmonic (the Hippodrome has had to remove the first five rows of the stalls to accommodate them).

Set in a condemned factory, the wall with its handprints signifies the struggle of Giselle and her fellow migrant garment factory workers (called the Outcasts) who are exploited by the aristocrats and landlords.

Giselle is also in the centre of a love triangle involving fellow Outcast Hilarion and Albrecht, a landlord masquerading as an Outcast. A contemporary story of timeless themes of love, betrayal and redemption, it’s also a tale of class divide, rich against poor.

Akram Khan’s choreography mixes modern dance with Indian kathak dancing, and there are sections of arabesque music, too.

Using a lot of silhouette and contemporary dance moves, there are also classical elements. When the ghosts appear in act two, the dancers remain en pointe for several minutes, their feet fluttering in quick tiny steps that gives the impression they really are floating across the vast stage. It’s a joy to watch.

And there is also a surprising use of silence when neither orchestra or performers make a sound. You could have heard a pin drop in the auditorium. It was intense and breathtaking, a world class performance.

The first night was sold out but there are still a few tickets left for the remaining performances. You would be a fool to miss what is possibly the most unmissable show in Bristol this year.

English National Ballet - Akram Khan’s Giselle is at Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday, October 28. For tickets, go to the Hippodrome website here.