Royal Ballet triple bill review: A sharp new work and a ballet star’s searing farewell

Wayne McGregor offered a distinctive new work, while the marvellous Laura Morera bowed out after 27 years

Artists of The Royal Ballet in Corybantic Games (Alice Pennefather)

Hail and farewell: The Royal Ballet’s new mixed bill opens with a sharp new work by Wayne McGregor, and ends with a searing farewell from much-loved ballerina Laura Morera, who is retiring from the stage after 27 years. It’s a bold, thoughtful evening.

McGregor’s Untitled, 2023 takes its name from the artist Carmen Herrera, who would often date but not title her works. This collaboration with Herrera, who died last year at the age of 102, is her only set design. The backdrop is a wide, shallow triangle, vivid green on a white ground. Those lines and colours are echoed in the costumes, by Burberry: body tights in white and green, with different geometric patterns. The music, two monumental scores, is by in-demand composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir.

McGregor has always had an eye for art trends and big names. His combinations can be modish, but Untitled, 2023 creates a distinctive atmosphere, both spacious and reflective. In Joseph Sissens’ opening solo, a springy jump turns into a dead stop, before flowing on into sculptural poses. It overlaps with a second solo by Leo Dixon, turning into a winding duet.