They say the best laid plans go awry, and so it proved for me on the evening of 10th September, when my carefully laid plan to reach Cadogan Hall in good time for Ballet Nights 009 – Bound in Motion unravelled spectacularly. In an attempt to beat the odds on underground strike day, I allocated one hour and 40 minutes for a direct bus journey that should normally take 40 minutes maximum. However, a combination of rain, massively engorged traffic slowed down by ubiquitous roadworks, and temperamental buses (one broke down, others failed to arrive, others still stopped halfway) meant it took two and half hours including a very long walk across London to get there. Obviously very, very late.
Giselle, National Ballet of Japan at Royal Ballet and Opera
A transporting Giselle marked the National Ballet of Japan’s London debut. Giselle is the quintessential Romantic ballet. Premiered in 1841 at the Paris Opera, it reflects many of the preoccupations of Romanticism: nature as a repository of all that’s good, yet also harbouring otherworldly, often malevolent beings; a fascination with a mythical past; and the […]
Jane Eyre – Northern Ballet – Sadler’s Wells
Cathy Marston’s Jane Eyre opened at Sadler’s Wells last Tuesday, and was an intense, emotional two-act ballet, with scenes both heart-rending and passionate, the story convincingly communicated by the company’s beautiful dancing
Romeo and Juliet – Royal Ballet
With Yasmine Naghdi and Matthew Ball in the lead roles for the opening night of Romeo and Juliet yesterday, the audience was mesmerised by this classic, emotional ballet with intricate choreography punctuated by grand ensemble scenes.
Deepstaria at Sadler’s Wells
Wayne McGregor’s meditative new work, ‘Deepstaria’ at Sadler’s Wells, was inspired by the other-worldly deepstaria jellyfish and the liminal space of the ocean depths, together with the loneliness of a space station or the vastness of space itself.
Varna International Ballet – 2025 Season UK Tour.
The Varna International Ballet appeared at the New Wimbledon Theatre from 13-15th February, performing their adaption of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker as part of their whistlestop 2025 international touring season in the UK.
Summer in the City – The best outdoor arts events to book for this summer
f you find yourself spending summer in the city, there’s no reason to despair, you’ll find a plethora of fabulous events on hand to keep you amused. And, what could be better than watching your favourite opera, play or musical against a backdrop of the setting sun?
Phaedra + Minotaur at the Linbury
The flurry of four- and five-star reviews that poured from previous productions have resulted in Phaedra + Minotaur’s short stint at the Linbury being already sold out. Never fear, however, this feels like a production that will be revived once again.
The Winter’s Tale – Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House
The cost of true repentance The Winter’s Tale has returned to the Royal Opera House – its Opening Night on Friday evening was quite wonderful, with sublime dancing that transmitted the sadness and profundity of the tale, and also its joy, powerfully to the audience. The ballet is an exploration of the mad jealousy and […]
New York City Ballet at Sadler’s Wells – Mixed Bill Review
Welcome to the NYCB dancers; sensitive, speedy and spectacular The New York City Ballet (NYCB) has returned to London after sixteen years, performing from 7-10 March in Sadler’s Wells Theatre. The company was last in London in 2008 and has been greatly missed, so there was a great air of expectation in the audience last […]