The English National Ballet returns to the Bristol Hippodrome with a swashbuckling tale of love, kidnap and betrayal in Le Corsaire.

Set in the Ottoman Empire, Le Corsaire is the classic ballet of love and tragedy but set in the more unlikely world of the pirate captain.

It’s inspired by the poem The Corsair by Lord Byron and was first staged as a ballet in the 19th century.

The English National Ballet are the first UK company to perform the complete work, in three acts.

Conrad the pirate is deeply in love with Medora but the pair are wrenched apart when Medora is sold into the harem of the plump and pompous Pasha.

What follows is a playful, light-hearted adventure of kidnap, treachery and revenge – tinged with tragedy.

There are some stirring duets from the two leads as well as some spectacular male dances culminating in the ultimate shipwreck.

The enchanting set and colourful costumes are designed by Oscar-nominated Hollywood film designer Bob Ringwood (Batman, Troy and Empire of the Sun) and lend a stylish, Disney-like quality to the production.

The story has a warmth which makes this an enjoyable production with some grand dance pieces and fast-paced action.

Review by Aleisha Foreman

Le Corsaire is at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday. Visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/le-corsaire/bristol-hippodrome for tickets and more information.