Ballet
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Cinderella Brings Half Term Magic To Birmingham
One of the most magical ballets of them all made a welcome return to Birmingham last night, when Cinderella opened at the Birmingham Hippodrome. The classic story, with choreography by David Bintley and a soaring score by Prokofiev, proved to be the perfect family entertainment for half term as it enchanted the audience, old and young. The story is totally faithful to the classic, much loved fairy tale, with the cast of characters, the glass coach, the glass slipper and the clock striking at midnight, all in place. The ugly sisters are more spiteful and stupid than ugly, but are also, and this is a huge part of the charm…
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Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker In Havana
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Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker In Havana
I must’ve seen The Nutcracker more than 20 times. I’ve seen the famous Birmingham Royal Ballet version every Christmas for at least 15 years. I’ve seen the London Coliseum version. I’ve watched it on TV. It’s safe to say I’m a fan but, until last night, I had never seen The Nutcracker in the sun. Who would’ve thought that would work, but it really does. The Nutcracker in Havana, performed last night at the Wolverhampton Grand by Acosta Danza is a colourful, exhilarating masterpiece. A standing ovation was much deserved. The story is familiar, and yet transformed. It’s still Christmas Eve, but a Cuban Christmas Eve, with dancing, presents and…
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Cinderella Brings Half Term Magic To Birmingham
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The Nutcracker: Bringing Its Magic Back To Birmingham
The Birmingham Royal Ballet returned to the stage of the Birmingham Hippodrome last night with, what has to be the most magical and exquisite Ballet of them all. Yes, I’m talking about Sir Peter Wright’s masterpiece, The Nutcracker, which traditionally brings Christmas officially to Birmingham. Forget the German market, when Tchaikovsky’s overture begins, Christmas is truly here. Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas tale of magic and mystery that takes place on Christmas Eve is a festive staple. And after taking a break last year for the marvellous, and sometimes hilarious Cinderella, The Nutcracker made a welcome return with what may be its most beautiful staging ever. The story is a simple one,…
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La Fille Mal Gardee at the Birmingham Hippodrome
La Fille Mal Gardee by the Birmingham Royal Ballet started a four night run at the Birmingham Hippodrome last night, and delighted and charmed audiences with it’s story of true love almost thwarted by the power of money. The ballet was created by Frederick Ashton in 1960 and is the simple story of the beautiful Lise, in this instance played by the enchanting Beatrice Parma, who is deeply in love with a poor farm lad called Colas(Enrique Bejarano Vidal – just perfect). They are perfectly matched but Lise’s mother, the widow Simone wants a better (read richer) match for her beloved daughter. She finds this in the umbrella obsessed Alain,…
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Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty
The Birmingham Royal Ballet returned to its home city this week with a spellbinding performance of Sleeping Beauty. Transforming the Birmingham Hippodrome stage into a Georgian setting fit for royalty, the dancers of the BRB created a magical and enthralling fairy tale that had just the right amount of menace and spice. We all know the story of the Princess Aurora, gifted every one of life’s advantages by a stream of beautiful fairies. This was represented in a series of solo dances representing modesty, honour, joy, and, of course, beauty. The mood is bright and beautiful, full of sparkle and light. Unfortunately, no one invited the dark Fairy, Carabosse, and…
