The Lady and the Fool (Cranko)

John Cranko supplied the scenario and choreography, while Sir Charles Mackerras arranged music from Giuseppe Verdi's lesser-known operas. The ballet premiered on 25 February 1954 for the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet. [Royal Ballet and Opera Collections](https://www.rohcollections.org.uk/work.aspx?work=793)

The two poor clowns Moondog and Bootface are invited by the masked beauty La Capricciosa to a society ball. La Capricciosa rejects wealthy suitors and falls for Moondog, then leaves with both clowns. [Medici.tv](https://www.medici.tv/en/ballets/the-lady-and-the-fool)

Pineapple Poll uses Sullivan tunes from Gilbert and Sullivan, but The Lady and the Fool uses material from 15 Verdi operas selected and arranged by Mackerras. That gives the 1954 ballet a more operatic and darker color despite its comic story. [Voices of British Ballet](https://voicesofbritishballet.com/gracenotes/charles-mackerras/)

Cranko reworked the ballet in 1955, dropping some secondary characters and making the relationships among the central trio clearer. The Covent Garden version also received improved décor and a fuller orchestral sound. [Medici.tv](https://www.medici.tv/en/ballets/the-lady-and-the-fool)