alison

It would appear that way - look at how many programmes are entitled "[Celebrity name] [programme title]". I fear that's what the cult of celebrity has led to.

Yes, but for the casual viewer who's not going to bother recording, they're only likely to come across it if it's on TV at a reasonable hour. Mind you, it *was* straight after the News, I believe.

Well, it used to be not uncommon ... Actually, haven't Lamb & McRae danced it in recent years?

They haven't announced Bluebird casting, have they? I don't think I've ever seen Hayward's Florine

Parental choice? I thought it was supposed to be down to the dance teacher, who should be in a position to know when the student is strong enough and has the level of technique needed to be able to cope with pointe shoes?

Yes, I'm surprised they're repeating Anna Karenina - they don't usually repeat the more obscure ones.

Curses - they only have those two performances, don't they? And I can't do two in one day - and can't make the other date, I think

That's still a fair few productions, FLOSS! Ill-health played a part in the costumes not being reproduced as desired: http://www.balletassociation.co.uk/reports/2011/Mason_11.html

Drat - is Heap down to do Lilac Fairy? It wasn't her who went off injured during Nutcracker the other night, was it?

Jonny Cope did well on the live relays or whatever it was he presented.

Darcey Bussell's programme on Margot Fonteyn having just finished, here's a thread to discuss that and other dance-related offerings.

Except that the question has been asked - several times. Sleeping Beauty starts in a few hours' time - perhaps we could start getting this thread back on track before then?

Bumping off page 2

So does Scottish Ballet's.

Incidentally, if when starting a thread like this you add the tag "accommodation", then once the thread has been posted you can click on that tag and bring up all the other threads tagged with "accommodation"

I remember one in which the mean stepmother was imprisoned in a wooden barrel, sharp nails were hammered into the side of the barrel, and she was rolled downhill into the river in it :ugh: Think I should go and set the recorder before I go out ...

This was the third thread we had on the subject, so I've merged them all

Mats Ek has of course also done Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. I suppose the question is, how do you define The Classics? I wouldn't call Rite of Spring one, for one.

Shall I just change the thread title to "Matthew Golding"?

"Giselle – one of the most romantic ballets Last minute Christmas gift idea: 1/3 off tickets* English National Ballet’s classic telling of Giselle comes to the splendour of the London Coliseum from Wednesday 11 – Sunday 22 January 2017. With 33% off tickets in the dress and upper circle for weekday performances* – book now for the perfect Christmas gift. Giselle is a haunting story of innocence and betrayal, a timeless tale about the redemptive power of love. Moving from the sunny optimism of Giselle’s idyllic village life to a moonlit world of mystery and menace, Mary Skeaping’s production of Giselle features some of ballet’s most dramatic scenes and otherworldly images. Adolphe Adam’s score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, adds to the lush atmosphere. To book, simply enter the promo code OLTenb33 when prompted online, or call 020 7845 9300 and quote ‘Official London Theatre ENB 33’ offer. Book Now *Offer valid until midnight Saturday 24 December, on dress and upper circle tickets (normally £29, £39, £45, £59, £69 and £79). Offer valid for any weekday performance (Monday-Friday) from 11 – 22 January 2017. Not valid for Saturday or Sunday shows. Excludes the following performances: Friday 13 Jan 7.30pm, Tuesday 17 Jan 7.30pm, Thursday 19 Jan 7.30pm, and Friday 20 Jan 7.30pm. Not available retrospectively or in conjunction with any other offer. Online booking fee £1.75 per transaction. Telephone and postal booking fee £3.50 per transaction. No fee when booking in person at the Box Office. Subject to availability." Note the excluded dates. I'm afraid the booking link hasn't come out, but I guess you know how to find it anyway!

Personally, I'm not sure I've ever bought a ticket for Beauty based on anything but who the scheduled ballerina is. I suppose if it were someone I was slightly iffy about a really good Prince might just sway me, though. (And as I started typing this I remembered that last time around Lamb was dancing with McRae)

You should have done, Lin (and it is available on DVD, isn't it?)

I got into Nutcracker, non-discounted, for under £20 the other day. Not much under, but still, it was under (and admittedly wouldn't have been, had I not paid cash).

I'm sure it wasn't that long ago that the balcony top price was £25 (and stalls something around £90). Oh well, that's me who won't be going again, since I don't think I can fit into any of the restricted-view seats. By the way, are these "gala" performances still raising funds for some charity somewhere, or has that gone by the board? BTW, I suspect the "new" website name may be an attempt to put some distance between the venue and ENO.

I think you mean Ashley Shaw, tabitha!