With perfect timing, the Australian Ballet’s “The Dream” offers a variety of roles to showcase talent. It is a triple bill, made up of three works by English choreographer Frederick Ashton (of “Cinderella” and “The Tales of Beatrix Potter” fame). The first two works are in a modernist vein, the third a rollicking interpretation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream.

The opening piece is “Monotones II.” This pas de trois originally created as a gala piece in 1965 is set to the wondrous sounds of Erik Satie’s Trois Gymnopédies—even those not familiar with classical music will be humming along to the well-known tune. On opening night the three dancers are Natasha Kusen, Brett Simon and Jared Wright. Clad in head to toe white lycra, they weave and interact with wonderful fluidity, never quite committing to a relationship within the three. The opening sequence is a highlight. Unfortunately, on opening night, the execution in full wasn’t there. The white costuming highlighted out-of-sync moments and squeaky shoes meant the ability to drift into Ashton’s work was to some extent lost.

The second piece, “Symphonic Variations,” is one of Ashton's most celebrated and demanding works. It is also non-narrative, but this time with six dancers—three men and three women. When Aston first presented the work, Margot Fonteyn was one of his chosen six. The piece has a wonderful energy displayed through quickening choreography and a score that builds and builds. By the end of the piece, sweat drips from the dancer’s bodies. Amber Scott, Robyn Hendricks and Ako Kondo were cast on opening night at the Sydney Opera House. Amber Scott was the highlight, her seniority evident; she has an alluring calmness and suberb artistry. Robyn Hendricks and Ako Kondo were also strong. In Ako Kondo’s first performance since being promoted, there was a new confidence despite a strained face.

The highlight of the night is the third work, “The Dream.” The performance takes on a completely new pace, a captivating interpretation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream. With a wonderful light-heartedness, we watch as mischievous sprites mess with the love-lives of mere mortals. The star of the night is Chengwu Guo. In the role of Puck he is perfectly cast. Mischievous, naughty and with elevation beyond belief—he flies effortlessly across the stage executing bold and technically difficult jumps with ease. He is a joy to watch. Joseph Chapman is also a highlight, plucked from the corps de ballet to play the role of Bottom. Decked out in pointe shoes and a donkeys head, he perfectly portrays the stubborn awkwardness of the role. Benedicte Bemet as moth, is another stand out. With mesmerising stage presence and talent to boot, even amongst the corps de ballet, it is hard to look anywhere else when she is on stage.

With the magnificent Madeleine Eastoe departing, one can only hope she will return in some form to pass on her knowledge of artistry and technique to the up-and-comers. Her clear love for this art form is evident in the care she takes with every step. In the lead role of Titania she is simply wondrous.

“The Dream” presents an interesting mix of Frederick Ashton’s choreography. The first two pieces lacked the buzz or joy of the final piece, but “The Dream” is a wonderful opportunity to experience world-class dancers perform modernist dance as well as classical technique wrapped up with quirky Shakespearean characters—all set to glorious scores.