Russian Classical Ballet, Coppelia, Pavilion, Bournemouth

Ellen Kent has presented some outstanding operas and ballets in Bournemouth in recent years and Coppelia doesn't break the mould: it is another first-class production.

It brings together a company of 120 with a seriously impressive corps de ballet and superb live orchestra.

Despite often being overshadowed by the popularity of Swan Lake and the Sleeping Beauty, Delibes' Coppelia has all-round family appeal, with its mix of romance and comedy and a tale that centres on the exploits of eccentric magician/toymaker Coppelius and his desire to bring his much-loved mechanical doll Coppelia to life.

The music is joyous and frothy, and instantly recognisable, the newly designed costumes and sets pretty and classical, so there is much to commend it to the wider audiences who have been flocking to Ellen Kent's productions.

Act two, with the toys that come alive, is particularly entertaining.

Last night's leading dancers, husband-and-wife Nadezhda and Egor Schepachiov were truly magical and left us spell bound with their breath-taking pas de deux. Equally, their solo dances were exquisite - Nadezhda with her effortless grace, skill and beauty, and Egor with his incredible strength, control and energy.

There were moments when he seemed to fly across the stage like Rudolf Nureyev in his prime.

Fabulous!

Hilary Porter