The Royal Ballet's Gary Avis retires - media

The Royal Ballet announced the retirement of Gary Avis, according to multiple media reports on 25th November 2025.

Avis has retired from both of his positions, a Principal Character Artist and Senior Répétiteur.

I could not find a relevant press release on The Royal Ballet and Opera's press page so I am quoting the following from Gramilano.

'Avis said, “The Royal Ballet has been such a huge part of my performing life over the last 36 years, and I have enjoyed all the roles and characters I have brought to life in both the classic productions and the new creations over those years. It has been such a privilege to be part of this Company. 

“Having time to reflect over the last months, it feels like now is the right time to retire and step away quietly from the theatre. I would like to thank all those who have supported me throughout my career. I take away so many special moments and happy memories of all the performances on stage both here in London and abroad.”'

Avis was born in Ipswich, the UK, and joined The Royal Ballet in London in 1989. He was promoted to Soloist in 1995 and to Principal Character Artist in 2005, following stints in 1999-2004 with K-Ballet in Japan and English National Ballet.

Tall and slender, Avis had a significant stage presence in a pleasant way. He performed almost every single thinkable character role, including Drosselmeyer in The Nutcracker, Von Rothbart in Swan Lake and Dr. Coppélius in Coppélia.

As a personal memory, he was pretty much on stage every time I went to see The Royal Ballet's full-length programmes in London. My favorite roles of him were Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote in Don Quixote and Virgil in The Dante Project.

Toi toi toi!

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