Mary

It is on at some Picturehouses this afternoon.

I think there are some encore screenings on Monday?

Yes I commented on this on another thread- much better than previous surveys and I did comment on the need for the booking website to work every time, relaibly, and a few other issues- a welcome opportunity to give feedback on important things.

No doubt the full facts will emerge and at present we don't know them. But it does make me think how very wise it is not to allow glass into the auditorium and I hope they stick with the rule and police it even more carefully (I know they do - I have often seen people being turned back with glasses)- but it is perhaps easier to sneak a glass into the door to the slips. Someone could have been hurt. I wish other theatres would take note.

Particularly frightening to have that happen near you in the upper slips, where it can feel a bit exposed anyway - most unnerving. I am sorry for the audience who had their experience spoilt in this way. it sounds as if the dancers did brilliantly and I do hope Hirano makes a speedy recovery.

I've seen a Russian company's production with Siegfried drowning- years ago, I can't remember who it was, but I'm afraid the sight of a very bouffant wig slowly bobbing about just above the cardboard waves then disappearing was very funny and ruined the ending...

Thanks for reminding me- I left black tights off my list and Siegfried's black tights against black floor are indeed very annoying and absurd when we all want to see his legs so much.

Like others there is plenty I really like in this production, especially the wonderful sets and costumes, Siegfried's solo and the reconciliation pas de deux - but it does need revising I think. While I agree the ending may not be 'universally' disliked, the discussion here and on previous occasions suggests there is perhaps a majority who would like to see it tweaked, at least. In the unlikely event that I was directing the next revival and had a free hand, I would tweak it along the lines of some of the ideas on this thread, making it match the soaring music properly and preventing Siegfried looking like a pathetic weed; I would also: change Benno's Act 1 costume so he looked less like Buttons in a pantomime; cut about half his dancing in Act 1 and give it to Siegfried ( I find it very frustrating when Siegfried just teases us with tiny bits of dancing here and there); cut one of the pas de trois, possibly the second one- (they have delighted me long enough.....) Luckily for you all I am not going to get the chance....

I would advise any ballet lover to watch Alice on dvd first if you haven't seen it and perhaps save some money. I disliked it on the 1st night, thought I should try again and really disliked it even more second time!...

I've had another survey about being a Friend today- including a section on booking, so I expressed pleasure that it all worked last time but did comment again on previous problems, hoping they have been solved now. The survey was quite good this time and did allow space for comment on a range of issues.

No need to explain or aplogise for a less than positive review I hope- I am sure we all welcome honest responses, no matter how critical (so long, of course as they are appropriately worded.) Plenty of us have commented on Act IV not really working.

I'd love to see some photos.

I couldn't recognise any of them either even with my bins.

Yes heedless , dangerous. I was surprised she did it twice.

Entertaining scenes last night before the performance started: a couple in a balcony box were having a really major photo shoot session: he had a small tripod....she was wearing an extravagant dress. At one stage she perched on the ledge (with her back to the house) sitting quite far out as it were...somewhat noticeable and somewhat alarming....I was glad not to be sitting in the stalls below. .....an usher soon hurried along and told them No ( I presume) but shortly afterwards she was back again- with much posing, twisting about etc etc. There was much hilarious comment from the people around me in the left amphi who had a great view of it all, - but really it was absurd ( and dangerous.)