Grab your tickets for a breath taking performance of Mayerling at London's beautiful Royal Opera House
A heady mix of forbidden desire, buried secrets and political tension drives Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling, a gripping psychological ballet inspired by shocking real events.
About Mayerling
Crown Prince Rudolf is a deeply troubled figure, haunted by dark thoughts and an obsession with his own death. Isolated within the rigid world of the Austro-Hungarian court, he finds no comfort in family or friends—until he meets the young and captivating Baroness Mary Vetsera. Drawn together by shared fascination and intense attraction, the pair begin a secret relationship, hidden from a society bound by strict rules and ceremonial display.
As passion deepens and their morbid fixations intensify, the affair spirals towards inevitable tragedy. What begins as a dangerous romance becomes a descent into darkness, ending in catastrophe.
Mayerling details:
- Dates: 30th March - 18th May 2026
- Ages: 14+
- Duration: 3hr. Incl. 2 Intervals
- Venue: Royal Opera House, Bow St, London, UK, WC2E 9DD
Created in 1978, Mayerling is based on the notorious Mayerling incident—the real-life murder-suicide of Crown Prince Rudolf and Mary Vetsera.
A cornerstone of The Royal Ballet’s repertory, the work is unmistakably MacMillan: powerful ensemble scenes showcase the Company at its dramatic best, while the demanding lead roles probe the raw, unsettling depths of the human psyche, offering extraordinary opportunities for the Company’s Principals.