Queensland Ballet presents a stunning and truly funny production of La Fille mal gardée – “The Wayward Daughter”, or, more literally, “The Badly Guarded Girl”. Young lovers Lise and Colas are forbidden from being together by Lise’s mother, the influential Widow Simone, who has arranged a marriage for Lise to the son of a wealthy vineyard owner. Lise is unimpressed by Alain, the man she is supposed to marry, and who is far more enchanted by his precious umbrella than with her. The ballet follows this colourful cast of characters as Lise seeks to escape from her mother’s watchful eye and her arranged marriage, and the Widow Simone seeks to control her wayward daughter.

La Fille mal gardée has gone through many revisions over the years, from its debut in 1789 in France, under a different title, to modern adaptations that keep it alive and relevant in global repertory. Queensland Ballet performs Marc Ribaud’s playful choreography with the assistance of the choreographer and stager Craig Lord-Sale, against the charming backdrop of French countryside in the 1950’s (including a beautiful vintage Vespa!). Costuming by Lexi De Silva, lighting designed by Jon Buswell and incredibly detailed sets designed by Richard Roberts make the performance...