Matthew Bourne/New Adventures: The Red Shoes, 2016

[nottsballetlover]

Just seen the penultimate performance of Red Shoes in Brum before they take it to USA. Incredibly emotional performance from the whole cast given it was the farewell performance by Chris Trenfield, who is leaving the company. He was Crastor, Ashley Page as Vicky, Sam Archer as Lermantov and Liam Mower as Ivan. Huge standing ovation and cheers for Chris at curtain call. Including from Sir Matthew Bourne who was in the audience and was quickly on his feet to applaud the dancers.  I got the chance to speak to some of the dancers and Sir Matthew after the show: their sheer enthusiasm and dedication is shining. They have done over 300 performances of Red Shoes yet they are still so excited by it and every performance I've seen is like it was opening night, fresh and energetic.

 

I know Bourne is not 'ballet' strictly speaking and not everyone likes it, but imho he has done a phenomenal job bringing new and diverse audiences to dance.

 

So I'm off now to the evening show to conclude the season..! ?

 

 

 

 

Edited July 22, 2017 by nottsballetlover

[alison]

4 hours ago, nottsballetlover said:

Ashley Page as Vicky,

 

Oh?  Do I detect a career change? (at the very least!)

[nottsballetlover]

1 hour ago, alison said:

 

Oh?  Do I detect a career change? (at the very least!)

Sorry the heat and emotion addled my brain.  Oops! Ashley Shaw as Vicky Paige! !....But quite a funny typo.....Apologies!!

Edited July 22, 2017 by nottsballetlover

[alison]

Just in case other people haven't twigged either, the current tour to New York also features Sara Mearns and Marcelo Gomez (see the Links forum).