Based on ETA Hoffmann’s tale The Sandman, Delibes’ ballet tells the story of Swanilda and her fiancé Franz, who is obsessed with an automaton he believes to be Dr Coppelius’s daughter. Choreographer Greg Horsman made the role of Franz his own, dancing it with The Australian Ballet for many years. In 2014, he created his own version for Queensland Ballet, relocating the story to 19th-century Hahndorf in South Australia. It has since gone on to enchant audiences in Western Australia and makes a welcome return to Brisbane.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

A beautiful, life-like doll and two quarrelling young lovers create comic chaos in this spirited ballet with a twist.

Set in the sun-drenched South Australian town of Hahndorf in the late 19th century, this mischievous story has a distinctly regional atmosphere featuring colourful, endearing characters inspired by history.

Six years after the arrival of Dr Coppelius in their village, Swanilda and her friends are intrigued by Coppélia – the bright young woman that appears on his balcony. Jealous of her sweetheart Franz’s interest in the doctor’s mysterious ‘daughter’, Swanilda sneaks into his house to confront her rival. But all is not as it seems – and when the doctor discovers Franz is another intruder, delightful mayhem follows!