Le Corsaire (The Pirate) is a gripping ballet about dashing pirate Conrad and his reciprocated love for beautiful harem girl Medora in a dynamic drama of enslaved damsels, affluent rulers, abduction, liberation, conspiracy, love and treachery.

Based on Byron’s 1814 poem The Corsair, the English National Ballet is the first UK company to produce this traditional yet somehow modern ballet, arguably more accessible to the masses than many of the more conventional fairytale-based ballets of 19th century origins.

Anna-Marie Holmes’ staging perfectly captured the essence of the valiant rogue and his loyal entourage, desirable heroine, villains and heroes. The strength, fluidity, athleticism and finesse of the danseurs and their female counterparts was admirable and rightly applauded by the knowledgeable sections of the audience (audibly in evidence with the calls of “Brava!” and “Bravo!” during soloists’ dances of Act II).

However, just as captivating and entrancing were the wonderful little cameo stories from the ensemble and the highly entertaining comic touches, particularly in the bustling market place, which Holmes claimed in her programme notes was a new experience for the company to develop, but was indicative of the superb storytelling throughout (rather than dance for dance’s sake).

The international lineup emphasised how performance through dance is truly a universal language.

The sumptuously stunning scenery (designed by Hollywood film set designer, Bob Ringwood), vibrantly colourful costumes and beautifully subtle lighting all combined to make this a hugely aesthetically pleasing production, impeccably complemented by the wonderfully rich tones of the Orchestra of the English National Ballet under Gavin Sunderland’s excellent musical direction.

The beauty of this production is that you don’t need to be a ballet aficionado to enjoy this Pirate adventure full of romance, humour, danger, swashbuckling excitement and poignancy.