The Winter's Tale is a ballet in three acts choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon to a commissioned score by Joby Talbot.
The first three of its five acts are filled with intense psychological drama; the last two are lighthearted and comedic, concluding with a happy ending.
Shakespeare chose his title to signify to his audiences that the play was like a tale told in company gathered by a fireside on a winter's evening.
Upon its world premiere at the Royal Opera House, The Winter's Tale was well received by dance critics.
"[4] Writing for the Financial Times, Clement Crisp also awarded the ballet four out of five stars and highlighted the individual performances of the lead dancers.