"Intimate" isn't a word one would normally associate with the Royal Opera House, but after the Royal Ballet's staging of Romeo & Juliet at the O2 last June, that's definitely how the majestic auditorium felt this evening - with the stage looking somewhat cramped, after the expanses of the stage at the O2.

Romeo and Juliet is perhaps not the most accessible ballet for first-time audiences as it has more storytelling and less dance than, for example Manon, however it has some breathtaking solos and duets which are not to be missed. With a huge cast to accommodate, there are numerous little sections for different characters, which can make the storyline feel increasingly dense throughout Act 1, and thinning out after the first interval, with a notable performance by the ever-engaging Alexander Campbell as the leader of the atonal mandolin players.

For tonight's opening night, the lead roles were performed by Carlos Acosta and Tamara Rojo - hence the performance having sold out long ago. Tamara Rojo, aged 37, was an utterly convincing teenager, from her childlike early scenes to her portrayal of teenage heartbreak and tantrums in Act 3. Even Acosta, who too-often saves his best for the second show, gave one of his finest performances of the past year, almost showing off in endless sequences of turns and jumps. While Act 2 was very much Acosta's Act, almost overshadowing his co-performers, Rojo's spellbinding emotional performances were the focus of Act 3, with Acosta nearly forgotten by the end.

Both Rojo and Acosta gave completely mesmerising performances, as did the rest of the cast - especially Gary Avis as Tybalt, exuding menace in his final scenes; Genesia Rosato as Juliet's nurse; and it's always a treat to be able to watch Kenta Kura in a "leading" role.

Tamara Rojo and Carlos Acosta perform again on 19 January (returns & day tickets only); other performances between now and 31 June include those by Marianela Nuñez/Thiago Soares, Alina Cojocaru/Johan Kobborg, Lauren Cuthbertson/Sergei Polunin, Edward Watson/Leanne Benjamin and Roberta Marquez/Steven McRae. Do what you can to get a ticket.