On stage, the vivid and powerful magical realism of Esquivel’s original narrative emerges through Joby Talbot’s enchanting score paired with Bob Crowley’s magnificent, immersive set designs. This tale of forbidden passion, resisting convention, and familial strife focuses on Tita, a young Mexican woman deeply in love with Pedro. Her intense feelings manifest in extraordinary ways through her culinary creations. Francesca Hayward and Marcelino Sambé, principal dancers from the Royal Ballet, portray Tita and Pedro, bringing life to Wheeldon’s dynamic choreography with exuberance and grace among an agile cast. Together, they depict a love story that persists through even the most challenging circumstances.
“Audiences are in for an incredible experience. I hope they can connect with the emotional weight of it all—the heartache, the fervor, the enchantment,” expresses Wheeldon, who has choreographed both the 2022 and 2025 renditions. “I watched the film before diving into the book and felt an immediate connection to the beautiful universe Laura Esquivel created. It’s tender, intense, and filled with yearning. What truly resonated were the female characters; they possess strength and resilience, yet are beautifully flawed—this complexity makes the tale feel profoundly relatable. It’s that kind of emotional richness that transforms so powerfully into ballet.” Wheeldon’s fluid and articulate dance style has earned him a Tony Award and has been showcased by the Royal Ballet and New York City Ballet, alongside his recent role in the ballet series Étoile.
“It’s a sensory delight, and I’m eager for everyone to experience it,” he adds.
Hayward, our leading dancer (and former British Vogue cover star) embraced the challenge of reprising her role as Tita after her initial performance in 2022. “I actually forgot how many steps I needed to recall, as Tita is on stage for nearly the entire ballet, only briefly stepping off to change costumes or adjust my hair quickly backstage,” she notes. “I strive to stay true to the character as Laura Esquivel envisioned her: a sensitive yet passionate woman who feels constrained by tradition and obligation, ultimately allowing love and fate to empower her freedom. That’s what renders the final pas de deux so impactful—Tita is at last liberated.”
