Jan McNulty

As I understand the (non) situation, each visiting company negotiates with each theatre. Sometimes the theatre takes responsibility for any losses and sometimes the visitors or it may be a joint venture. I don't think the word "festival" implies temporary, after all the RFH has been around for many years now! When I first started ballet-watching LFB did regular summer seasons at RFH as well as presenting the Nutcracker there at Christmas. Perhaps SW missed a trick when SWRB moved to Birmingham and they could have offered ENB a base.

Perhaps they could persuade Joel Carreno to guest! He is my favourite Basilio since Daniel de Andrade retired from dancing.

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET – MUNICH – APRIL 2012 BRB gave two performances of a triple bill comprising Checkmate, Take Five and The Dream at the National Theatre in Munich this week. I’ve never been to this theatre before and walking into the auditorium brought gasps of amazement at its simplicity and beauty. It really is a breath-taking auditorium. There’s a gorgeous promenade area on the first floor that is quite ornate with fabulous chandeliers. It is definitely worth exploring at the interval. When I first saw the makeup of the programme, if I am honest I did not think it would flow, but I am very pleased to say that it did. The stage is enormous and all three pieces looked fabulous in its huge expanses. Checkmate provided an intense and thought-provoking start to the evening. We had two terrific performances with Vicky Marr and Samara Downs as the Black Queen and Iain Mackay and Matthew Lawrence as the Red Knight. Both Queens were vicious but very sensual and it was easy to see how the Red Knight was fooled by her and betrayed his “side”. Checkmate was warmly received by the audience. I love Take Five with its fast footwork and wit. Again we were treated over the two evenings to two super performances. The enormous stage gave the dancers a chance to really take hold of this piece and they did that with gusto. I particularly enjoyed Callie Roberts as the first girl in one cast and James Barton in Four Square – he was so fast and precise he was enthralling to watch. It always fascinates me how the same choreography can look so different on different dancers. Elisha Willis and Robert Parker gave out an enormous energy in Two Step while Celine Gittens and Tyrone Singleton were somehow more languid. Both couples were wonderful. The jazz quartet played superbly. The Dream is one of my favourite works and one of the main reasons that I wanted to attend these performances, and I was absolutely not disappointed. Joe Caley and Elisha Willis were super as Oberon and Titania on the second evening. James Barton was magical as Puck. The Lovers at both performances had loads of fun without ever overacting and the fairies were superlative. The Munich audience were treated to Robert Parker performing Bottom on Wednesday evening. Has Bottom ever had more energy and fun – a lovely performance (but never over the top). The highlight of the performances for me though was The Dream on Tuesday evening with Nao Sakuma and Chi Cao doing the honours as Titania and Oberon, ably assisted by Matthias Dingam as Puck. Jonathan Caguioa gave a lovely warm performance as Bottom. The whole performance was touched with magic dust. Nao and Chi just inhabited the roles and their dancing was superlative. Chi’s scherzo was scintillating and the reconciliation duet was breathtaking – I had an enormous lump in my throat by the end. It is a performance that I will never forget and I would guess that many of the audience felt the same way listening to the applause and cheers. Overall, the Munich audience gave BRB a very warm reception that must have thrilled the cockles of the Company’s heart. Just as a footnote – we did not spend our entire time in the theatre and Munich is a very attractive city to walk around with lots to see and do. We particularly enjoyed the wonderful cakes in the Luitpold Café only 5 minutes from the theatre. Our waiter wondered why more people from the UK did not visit his lovely city and I must say I don’t know what the answer to that one is. I want to go back there!!

Alison - I've merged in the thread I started on 26th March for cohesion.

Another Northern Ballet Beauty and the Beast review from Cardiff: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/showbiz/2012/04/26/review-northern-ballet-s-beauty-and-the-beast-91466-30840491/

I've just found this on Northern Ballet's website: http://northernballet.com/index.php?q=ugly-duckling Ugly Duckling - A Ballet for Children We are delighted to announce Ugly Ducking, our first ballet especially for children. A poor duckling is lonely and fed-up, shunned by those around him who see him as too ugly to fit in. Follow the duckling on his journey as he overcomes his troubles and turns into a beautiful swan, beginning a happy new life. Retelling the famous Hans Christian Anderson fairytale, Northern Ballet's Ugly Duckling is the perfect opportunity to introduce your little ones to the magic of live ballet, music and theatre. Performed within the relaxed environment of the 230 seat Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Ugly Duckling will last approximately 45 minutes. Dates & times Monday 29 October to Friday 2 November. Performances daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm (except Thursday 1 November when there is no 3pm performance.) Prices are £5 per ticket, £4 for children. There are no other discounts or concessions.

BRB have now posted casting for the midscale tours next month. I'm excited! Unless otherwise noted, performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet; leader: Robert Gibbs. North East Tour: Durham Gala - 8 - 9 May 2012 8 May 2012 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Jenna Roberts, Maureya Lebowitz, Yvette Knight, Yijing Zhang Four men: Mathias Dingman, Brandon Lawrence, James Barton, Iain Mackay Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Iain Mackay Pineapple Poll: Ambra Vallo Jasper: Tzu-Chao Chou Blanche: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis Hobson's Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Maggie Hobson: Ambra Vallo Will Mossop: Oliver Till Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz Man: Benjamin Soerel Woman: Delia Mathews Piano: Matthew Drury Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Nao Sakuma Basilio: Chi Cao 9 May 2012 2:00 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Nao Sakuma, Delia Mathews, Ambra Vallo, Angela Paul Four men: Chi Cao, Tzu-Chao Chou, William Bracewell, Oliver Till Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Iain Mackay Pineapple Poll: Maureya Lebowitz Jasper: James Barton Blanche: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis Hobson's Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Maggie Hobson: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Will Mossop: James Barton Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz Man: Iain Mackay Woman: Jenna Roberts Piano: Matthew Drury Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Maureya Lebowitz Basilio: Mathias Dingman 9 May 2012 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Yijing Zhang, Jenna Roberts, Maureya Lebowitz, Yvette Knight Four men: Brandon Lawrence, Mathias Dingman, James Barton, Iain Mackay Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Chi Cao Pineapple Poll: Angela Paul Jasper: Mathias Dingman Blanche: Maureya Lebowitz Mrs Dimple: Yijing Zhang Conductor: Philip Ellis Hobson's Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Maggie Hobson: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Will Mossop: James Barton Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz Man: William Bracewell Woman: Nao Sakuma Piano: Matthew Drury Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Ambra Vallo Basilio: Tzu-Chao Chou York Theatre Royal - 11 - 12 May 2012 11 May 2012 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Ambra Vallo, Nao Sakuma, Delia Mathews, Angela Paul Four men: William Bracewell, Oliver Till, Tzu-Chao Chou, Chi Cao Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Chi Cao Pineapple Poll: Angela Paul Jasper: Mathias Dingman Blanche: Maureya Lebowitz Mrs Dimple: Yijing Zhang Conductor: Philip Ellis Hobson's Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Maggie Hobson: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Will Mossop: James Barton Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz Man: Iain Mackay Woman: Jenna Roberts Piano: Matthew Drury Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Maureya Lebowitz Basilio: Mathias Dingman 12 May 2012 2:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Nao Sakuma, Delia Mathews, Ambra Vallo, Angela Paul Four men: Chi Cao, Tzu-Chao Chou, William Bracewell, Oliver Till Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Iain Mackay Pineapple Poll: Maureya Lebowitz Jasper: James Barton Blanche: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis Hobson's Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Maggie Hobson: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Will Mossop: James Barton Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz Man: William Bracewell Woman: Nao Sakuma Piano: Matthew Drury Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Ambra Vallo Basilio: Tzu-Chao Chou 12 May 2012 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Yijing Zhang, Jenna Roberts, Maureya Lebowitz, Yvette Knight Four men: Brandon Lawrence, Mathias Dingman, James Barton, Iain Mackay Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Chi Cao Pineapple Poll: Ambra Vallo Jasper: Tzu-Chao Chou Blanche: Maureya Lebowitz Mrs Dimple: Yijing Zhang Conductor: Philip Ellis Hobson's Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Maggie Hobson: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Will Mossop: James Barton Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz Man: Iain Mackay Woman: Jenna Roberts Piano: Matthew Drury Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Maureya Lebowitz Basilio: Mathias Dingman Buxton Opera House - 15 - 16 May 2012 15 May 2012 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Jenna Roberts, Maureya Lebowitz, Yvette Knight, Yijing Zhang Four men: Mathias Dingman, Brandon Lawrence, James Barton, Iain Mackay Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Chi Cao Pineapple Poll: Maureya Lebowitz Jasper: James Barton Blanche: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis Hobson's Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Maggie Hobson: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Will Mossop: James Barton Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz Man: William Bracewell Woman: Nao Sakuma Piano: Matthew Drury Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Ambra Vallo Basilio: Tzu-Chao Chou 16 May 2012 2:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Nao Sakuma, Delia Mathews, Ambra Vallo, Angela Paul Four men: Chi Cao, Tzu-Chao Chou, William Bracewell, Oliver Till Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Chi Cao Pineapple Poll: Ambra Vallo Jasper: Tzu-Chao Chou Blanche: Laëtitia Lo Sardo Mrs Dimple: Yijing Zhang Conductor: Philip Ellis Hobson's Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Maggie Hobson: Ambra Vallo Will Mossop: Oliver Till Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz Man: Iain Mackay Woman: Jenna Roberts Piano: Jonathan Higgins Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Maureya Lebowitz Basilio: Mathias Dingman 16 May 2012 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Yijing Zhang, Jenna Roberts, Maureya Lebowitz, Yvette Knight Four men: Brandon Lawrence, Mathias Dingman, James Barton, Iain Mackay Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Iain Mackay Pineapple Poll: Angela Paul Jasper: Mathias Dingman Blanche: Maureya Lebowitz Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis Hobson's Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Maggie Hobson: Ambra Vallo Will Mossop: Oliver Till Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz Man: Benjamin Soerel Woman: Delia Mathews Piano: Matthew Drury Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Nao Sakuma Basilio: Chi Cao South West Tour: The Lighthouse - 8 - 9 May 2012 8 May 2012 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Robert Parker, Carol-Anne Millar, Jonathan Caguioa, Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith Three to get Ready: Laura Purkiss, Arancha Baselga, Laura-Jane Gibson Flying Solo: Jamie Bond Two Step: Robert Parker, Elisha Willis Four Square: Steven Monteith, Feargus Campbell, Jonathan Caguioa, Jamie Bond Double Take: Entire Cast Concerto: Pas de deux Principal woman: Céline Gittens Principal man: Tyrone Singleton Solo piano: Ross Williams Swan Lake: White Swan pas de deux Odette: Natasha Oughtred Siegfried: Jamie Bond The Two Pigeons: excerpt Young Man: Joseph Caley Gypsy Girl: Carol-Anne Millar Gypsy Lover: Tom Rogers The Grand Tour American Tourist: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Jamie Bond Gertrude Lawrence: Elisha Willis Noël Coward: Matthew Lawrence Mary Pickford: Carol-Anne Millar Douglas Fairbanks: Robert Parker Theda Bara: Samara Downs George Bernard Shaw: Jonathan Payn Gertrude Stein: Rory Mackay Alice B. Toklas: Jade Heusen Conductor: Dominic Grier 9 May 2012 2:00 pm Take Five Take Five: Tyrone Singleton, Lewis Turner, Callie Roberts, Kit Holder, Tom Rogers Three to get Ready: Victoria Marr, Ruth Brill, Jade Heusen Flying Solo: Joseph Caley Two Step: Tyrone Singleton, Céline Gittens Four Square: Joseph Caley, Kit Holder, Tom Rogers, Lewis Turner Double Take: Entire Cast Concerto: Pas de deux Principal woman: Natasha Oughtred Principal man: Jamie Bond Solo piano: Ross Williams Swan Lake: White Swan pas de deux Odette: Elisha Willis Siegfried: Matthew Lawrence The Two Pigeons: excerpt Young Man: Robert Parker Gypsy Girl: Céline Gittens Gypsy Lover: Tyrone Singleton The Grand Tour American Tourist: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Tom Rogers Gertrude Lawrence: Elisha Willis Noël Coward: Matthew Lawrence Mary Pickford: Carol-Anne Millar Douglas Fairbanks: Robert Parker Theda Bara: Callie Roberts George Bernard Shaw: Jonathan Payn Gertrude Stein: Rory Mackay Alice B. Toklas: Kristen McGarrity Conductor: Dominic Grier 9 May 2012 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith, Carol-Anne Millar, Jonathan Caguioa, Robert Parker Three to get Ready: Laura-Jane Gibson, Arancha Baselga, Laura Purkiss Flying Solo: Jamie Bond Two Step: Elisha Willis, Robert Parker Four Square: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith, Jonathan Caguioa, Jamie Bond Double Take: Entire Cast Concerto: Pas de deux Principal woman: Callie Roberts Principal man: Tom Rogers Solo piano: Ross Williams Swan Lake: White Swan pas de deux Odette: Céline Gittens Siegfried: Tyrone Singleton The Two Pigeons: excerpt Young Man: Jamie Bond Gypsy Girl: Elisha Willis Gypsy Lover: Matthew Lawrence The Grand Tour American Tourist: Jade Heusen Chief Steward: Steven Monteith Gertrude Lawrence: Samara Downs Noël Coward: Robert Parker Mary Pickford: Laura Purkiss Douglas Fairbanks: Joseph Caley Theda Bara: Callie Roberts George Bernard Shaw: Tom Rogers Gertrude Stein: Jonathan Payn Alice B. Toklas: Arancha Baselga Conductor: Dominic Grier Hall for Cornwall - 11 - 12 May 2012 Unless otherwise noted, performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet; leader: Robert Gibbs. 11 May 2012 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Kit Holder, Tom Rogers, Lewis Turner, Callie Roberts, Tyrone Singleton Three to get Ready: Jade Heusen, Ruth Brill, Victoria Marr Flying Solo: Joseph Caley Two Step: Céline Gittens, Tyrone Singleton Four Square: Lewis Turner, Tom Rogers, Kit Holder, Joseph Caley Double Take: Entire Cast Concerto: Pas de deux Principal woman: Natasha Oughtred Principal man: Jamie Bond Solo piano: Ross Williams Swan Lake: White Swan pas de deux Odette: Elisha Willis Siegfried: Matthew Lawrence The Two Pigeons: excerpt Young Man: Robert Parker Gypsy Girl: Céline Gittens Gypsy Lover: Tyrone Singleton The Grand Tour American Tourist: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Jamie Bond Gertrude Lawrence: Elisha Willis Noël Coward: Matthew Lawrence Mary Pickford: Carol-Anne Millar Douglas Fairbanks: Robert Parker Theda Bara: Samara Downs George Bernard Shaw: Jonathan Payn Gertrude Stein: Rory Mackay Alice B. Toklas: Jade Heusen Conductor: Dominic Grier 12 May 2012 2:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Tyrone Singleton, Lewis Turner, Callie Roberts, Kit Holder, Tom Rogers Three to get Ready: Victoria Marr, Ruth Brill, Jade Heusen Flying Solo: Joseph Caley Two Step: Tyrone Singleton, Céline Gittens Four Square: Joseph Caley, Kit Holder, Tom Rogers, Lewis Turner Double Take: Entire Cast Concerto: Pas de deux Principal woman: Callie Roberts Principal man: Tom Rogers Solo piano: Ross Williams Swan Lake: White Swan pas de deux Odette: Céline Gittens Siegfried: Tyrone Singleton The Two Pigeons: excerpt Young Man: Jamie Bond Gypsy Girl: Carol-Anne Millar Gypsy Lover: Tom Rogers The Grand Tour American Tourist: Jade Heusen Chief Steward: Tom Rogers Gertrude Lawrence: Elisha Willis Noël Coward: Matthew Lawrence Mary Pickford: Arancha Baselga Douglas Fairbanks: Robert Parker Theda Bara: Callie Roberts George Bernard Shaw: Jonathan Payn Gertrude Stein: Rory Mackay Alice B. Toklas: Kristen McGarrity Conductor: Dominic Grier 12 May 2012 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith, Carol-Anne Millar, Jonathan Caguioa, Robert Parker Three to get Ready: Laura-Jane Gibson, Arancha Baselga, Laura Purkiss Flying Solo: Jamie Bond Two Step: Elisha Willis, Robert Parker Four Square: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith, Jonathan Caguioa, Jamie Bond Double Take: Entire Cast Concerto: Pas de deux Principal woman: Céline Gittens Principal man: Tyrone Singleton Solo piano: Ross Williams Swan Lake: White Swan pas de deux Odette: Natasha Oughtred Siegfried: Jamie Bond The Two Pigeons: excerpt Young Man: Joseph Caley Gypsy Girl: Elisha Willis Gypsy Lover: Matthew Lawrence The Grand Tour American Tourist: Jade Heusen Chief Steward: Steven Monteith Gertrude Lawrence: Samara Downs Noël Coward: Robert Parker Mary Pickford: Laura Purkiss Douglas Fairbanks: Joseph Caley Theda Bara: Callie Roberts George Bernard Shaw: Tom Rogers Gertrude Stein: Jonathan Payn Alice B. Toklas: Kristen McGarrity Conductor: Dominic Grier http://www.brb.org.uk/homepage.html Edited to try and (fail to!) improve the formatting

I loathe hoovering. This dates back to my Dad who was obsessed with hoovering and used to spend nearly three hours every Saturday hoovering a 3-bedroomed small house (starting at 0700 so no lie-ins here)!!

David - ENB regularly perform at Bristol, which is not too far from Bath. (I love the Theatre Royal in Bath as went frequently when I worked in Bath in the early noughties - Northern Ballet are taking their production of Beauty and the Beast there at the very end of November and I am hoping to attend if I can get tickets). Judging by the success of BRB's midscale tour, there could well be room in the market place for ENB to resurrect their smaller tours. As regards publicity, I get ENB leaflets from the Liverpool Empire because I have booked to see them there (and also from the Palace Theatre in Manchester, come to think of it). I think the problem with the Coli is that while they do present other companies the theatre is owned by ENO whom they would be bound to promote. The theatres I get leaflets from are receiving theatres and do not have a home company so it is in their interest to promote the visiting companies. I have noticed with ENB that they do seem to give their tour dates at the earliest opportunity. It used to be the case in Liverpool that when one season started booking opened for the following season at the same time. I am not sure if this is still the case. In respect of websites, it is not only ENBs that can lag behind the times. I remember a couple of years ago looking at the website of a European company for a city holiday I was planning - it was at least two years out of date! I must admit that I preferred the look of the previous ENB website and I found this one harder to navigate. The thing is that one person's "modern look" is another person's "yuck" and I've never been able to work out how you can please everyone.

Here's a copy of the press release on NB's website: Northern Ballet Media Release 24 April 2012 Northern Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre throw open the doors of their multi award-winning powerhouse for dance on Saturday 12 May for a day of free events. Suitable for all ages and interests, visitors will be able to go behind the scenes of two popular dance companies and join in with the wide range of activities on offer. There will be performances from both companies, dance physiotherapy consultations and a range of all-age, all-ability taster dance classes. There will be retellings of Northern Ballet’s well known productions like The Nutcracker, Beauty & the Beast and Peter Pan alongside craft activities and music sessions running throughout the day. This is the second Open Day hosted by the companies, who launched their new building in June 2011. The previous Open Day attracted over 2,000 visitors from around the region. All events and activities are free but booking is essential due to the popularity of the event. Visit northernballet.com/openhouse2012 for more information and to book places or call 0113 220 8008. -ENDS-

Cardiff enjoys NB's Beauty and the Beast: http://www.walesonli...91466-30841406/ And an interview from Wales with NB's Ashley Dixon: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/showbiz/2012/04/23/northern-ballet-s-ashley-dixon-on-acquiring-a-split-personality-in-beauty-and-the-beast-91466-30816045/

And wonderful BRB were too!! I'll report more in the performances forum when I have collected my thoughts...

Aileen, The Theatre Royal in Norwich is usually visited twice a year by Northern Ballet, Rambert go there and they have other dance companies performing there. I adore Norwich and always try to go when NB are there. Canterbury is also an NB stronghold. The company have just started revisiting the city now that the theatre has reopened after refurbishment. I used to love it when ENB split to perform at smaller venues (in a similar way that BRB's midscale is one of my highlights). I even went to Crewe to see them once!

A friend of mine always stays in the Travelodge, which is about 30 yards walk from the theatre. She has had some fantastic deals there. I stayed in the Radisson Blu as a treat. I don't know if they do any offers but it's fabulous - especially if you like Art Deco style. That's maybe 10 minutes walk. Also about 10 minutes walk away is the Merrion Hotel. The Queens Hotel is by the railway station (a good 15 minute hike from the theatre). I got a good deal there earlier this year. If it was me, and I couldn't get a deal at the Rad, I would go for the Travelodge. BTW, there is a fantastic vegetarian restaurant in the arcade adjacent to the Grand. It's open till 1900 in the evenings and is great for a pre-theatre meal. It's one of my favourite eateries and is very reasonably priced.

Hi Paul, I've just logged out and found the same as you. All restored when I logged back in.

BRB have published the casting for the three performances they are doing at the Cresent Theatre in Birmingham. These performances are part of Birmingham's International Dance Festival. Because of the casting for the new Jessica Lang piece (Lyric Pieces), I assume it gives an indication of who will be going North on midscale. Casting for IDFB 2012 Performances The Crescent Theatre - 3 - 4 May 2012 Unless otherwise noted, performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet; leader: Robert Gibbs. 3 May 2012 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Yijing Zhang, Jenna Roberts, Maureya Lebowitz, Yvette Knight Four men: Iain Mackay, James Barton, Mathias Dingman, Brandon Lawrence Take Five Take Five: William Bracewell, Steven Monteith, Feargus Campbell, Carol-Anne Millar, Robert Parker Three to get Ready: Laura-Jane Gibson, Arancha Baselga, Laura Purkiss Flying Solo: Jamie Bond Two Step: Robert Parker, Elisha Willis Four Square: William Bracewell, Steven Monteith, Feargus Campbell, Jamie Bond Double Take: Entire Cast 9-5 Winston: Joseph Caley Julia: Laura-Jane Gibson Boss: Samara Downs 4 May 2012 2:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Angela Paul, Ambra Vallo, Nao Sakuma, Delia Mathews Four men: Oliver Till, William Bracewell, Chi Cao, Tzu-Chao Chou Take Five Take Five: Robert Parker, Callie Roberts, Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith, William Bracewell Three to get Ready: Laura Purkiss, Laura-Jane Gibson, Arancha Baselga Flying Solo: Jamie Bond Two Step: Robert Parker, Elisha Willis Four Square: Jamie Bond, Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith, William Bracewell Double Take: Entire Cast 9-5 Winston: Joseph Caley Julia: Laura-Jane Gibson Boss: Samara Downs 4 May 2012 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Yijing Zhang, Jenna Roberts, Maureya Lebowitz, Yvette Knight Four men: Mathias Dingman, Brandon Lawrence, James Barton, Iain Mackay Take Five Take Five: James Barton, Jonathan Caguioa, Maureya Lebowitz, Tyrone Singleton, Oliver Till Three to get Ready: Victoria Marr, Samara Downs, Yvette Knight Flying Solo: Joseph Caley Two Step: Céline Gittens, Tyrone Singleton Four Square: Joseph Caley, James Barton, Jonathan Caguioa, Oliver Till Double Take: Entire Cast 9-5 Winston: Mathias Dingman Julia: Karla Doorbar Boss: Ruth Brill http://brb.org.uk/masque/index.htm?act=WhatsOn&urn=23682&tsk=fullcast

More on Northern Ballet's Beauty and the Beast: http://www.buckinghamtoday.co.uk/lifestyle/local-entertainment/superb-ballet-production-brings-fairytale-of-beauty-and-ugliness-to-life-1-3753579 http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/lifestyle/what-s-on/theatre/beauty-the-beast-review-1-3758456

I'm not a dancer and I've never even had a dance lesson but I can (just about) remember how awkward and insecure I felt when my body was changing as a teenager. BTW, my preference is most definitely NOT for stick thin dancers, and I am sure that I am not the only audience member who feels that way. Many years ago, I saw a Mariinsky performance of Giselle in Manchester. I was in the rear stalls and stopped using my bins after a few minutes because I could not bear to look too closely at the stick thin lady dancing Giselle.

Press Release: English National Ballet returns to The Orangery, Kensington Palace, for it second annual Summer Fundraising Party. On 27 June 2012 English National Ballet will once again take over one of London’s most glorious outdoor settings, The Orangery, Kensington Palace, for an evening of breathtaking ballet, sumptuous surroundings and fundraising. The 2011 Summer Party was a huge success, with over 300 guests enjoying the fashion inspired auction, which raised over £50,000 for English National Ballet. As the sun went down, guests enjoyed toe tapping performances from Strictly Gershwin and a catwalk show of designer tutus. English National Ballet’s 2012 Summer Party will be themed around Swan Lake, the world’s favourite ballet, in advance of the Company’s Season of Swan Lake at the London Coliseum in August. Elegant dancers in feathered white tutus will grace the party, and the Company will perform excerpts of the famous ballet in the gardens of the Palace. There will also be a themed auction; details of which will be announced soon. Guests will be welcomed to the Orangery at 7pm for cocktails and canapés served on the terrace. An evening of entertainment will follow with performances in this most intimate of settings giving guests a truly memorably ballet experience. Events like this form an integral part of our fundraising activity; helping to sustain the vibrant life of English National Ballet, supporting our renowned Learning and outreach work and enabling us to deliver world-class ballet to the nation. Tickets for the Summer Party are £175 will go on sale shortly at www.ballet.org.uk. For further information contact support@ballet.org.uk Derek Deane's Swan Lake is at the London Coliseum from 3 - 11 August 2012. Tickets and information at www.ballet.org.uk - Ends -

I can't answer technical questions but nearly all my favourite classical male dancers have been on the shorter side of tall. From watching a number of companies the only thing I would say is that perceived lack of inches could limit roles allocated, particularly when the girls can be on the taller side. There is (IMHO) a fabulous newer dancer at BRB and he is getting good roles.

Northern Ballet B&B review from Milton Keynes: http://www.mk-news.co.uk/Lifestyle-and-leisure/MK-Theatre-review-Beauty-and-the-Beast-18042012.htm

I saw Northern Broadsides' production of Love's Labour's Lost at the Lowry last night. Apart from the title, I was totally unfamiliar with this particular play. I'm glad to say that it turned out to be a hoot! The very simple set gave the impression of a warm Mediterranean place. It's amazing what a blue backcloth, some warm-looking stone and a few plants will do! As with all Northern Broadsides' productions it was a real ensemble piece. It's about a young King and his three friends who sign up to a vow to study for three years, foresaking wine, women and song (or at least, women!). The King's plans start to go awry when he has to see the Princess of France on a matter of state and she turns up with her three friends! There are some delicious interchanges between the characters and some very funny physical humour. For me, unusually for Shakespeare, the end does not resolve all. A great evening!

Media release: Thursday 5 April 2012 BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S MID-SCALE TOUR 2012 COMPANY AND ROYAL BALLET SINFONIA SPLIT IN HALF TO PERFORM IN MID-SCALE VENUES ACROSS THE UK Birmingham Royal Ballet continues with its policy of presenting its diverse repertory to the widest possible audience into 2012. From May 8 – 16, the Company will once again split into two, with half of the Company and Royal Ballet Sinfonia travelling to the south and west of the country and the remaining half travelling to the north and east. The split-tour initiative, now in its ninth year, enables the Company to present full-scale works, with orchestral accompaniment, in mid-scale venues not normally associated with a Company of this size. 2012 and the split tour will see the Company perform in Poole and Truro in the south and west and Durham, York and Buxton in the north and east. The works to be performed have been carefully chosen to demonstrate the versatility of Birmingham Royal Ballet, a company now firmly recognised as a major international force in the world of classical dance. South-West tour spring 2012: Take Five / Concerto: Pas de deux / Swan Lake: White Swan pas de deux / The Two Pigeons: excerpt / The Grand Tour The Lighthouse, Poole 8 - 9 May 2012 Hall for Cornwall, Truro 11 - 12 May 2012 This breathtaking programme presents a work from Birmingham Royal Ballet’s award-winning Director, alongside one from a master of the Broadway stage, and thrilling excerpts from some of the world-famous classics with which Birmingham Royal Ballet has made its name. Take Five A great lover of jazz, Take Five is Company Director David Bintley's latest jazz creation. Set to the iconic music of the legendary Dave Brubeck, this light hearted, laid-back, elegant ballet takes life calmly in its stride. Bitesized ballet After the success of the classic excerpts on last year's tour, Birmingham Royal Ballet presents highlights from three more of the world's greatest ballets. First is the beautiful pas de deux from Kenneth MacMillan's Concerto. Then, in the White Swan pas de deux from the greatest of all classical ballets, Swan Lake, a love-struck Odette and Prince Siegfried dance the night away in each others arms. We follow this with an excerpt from the most romantic of Frederick Ashton's works, The Two Pigeons. The ballet tells the tale of a frustrated fiancé's flight from the nest and his eventual return to the arms of his tearful lover. The Grand Tour All aboard for the roaring 20s! Setting out for Europe, our heroine, a spirited American spinster, can't believe her luck when she embarks on her cruise and finds herself in the company of a feast of famous faces. However, it turns out that Noël Coward, Gertrude Stein and George Bernard Shaw, to name but a few aren't necessarily the friendliest of shipmates. Add stowaways and a rather handsome Chief Steward into the mix and things might get a little complicated. Choreographer of many films and hit Broadway shows, American Joe Layton's The Grand Tour is a genuinely funny take on the eccentric celebrities that populated England's stages, screens and newspapers in the 1920s, accompanied by unique orchestral renditions of Noël Coward songs. North-East tour spring 2012: Lyric Pieces / Pineapple Poll / Hobson’s Choice: Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna / Elite Syncopations: Bethena Concert Waltz / Don Quixote: Pas de deux Gala Theatre, Durham 8 - 9 May 2012 Theatre Royal, York 11 - 12 May 2012 Buxton Opera House 15 - 16 May 2012 This remarkable programme presents a work from great British choreographer John Cranko, alongside a brand-new ballet, and exhilarating excerpts from some world-famous classics. Lyric Pieces An exciting new work from award-winning American choreographer, Jessica Lang. Set to romantic piano miniatures by Edvard Grieg, this is her first work for a major European company. Pineapple Poll What might a classic cartoon look like if brought to life on stage? With the aid of a foot-tapping medley of the best of Gilbert and Sullivan and the comic choreographic touch of John Cranko, this is your opportunity to find out. When the dashing Captain Belaye arrives in town, the female population swoon! Chief amongst them is Poll. Whilst half-heartedly dodging the attentions of Jasper, the Potboy at a local inn, she finds herself leading a band of desperate, lovelorn ladies, all seeking the attentions of the admirable officer, who is unwittingly taking the town by storm. Wrapped up in his own little world, when will the oblivious Captain Belaye notice that half his crew have mysteriously shrunk and don't seem very at home in their beards? Bite-sized ballet Birmingham Royal Ballet presents three more highlights from some of our best-loved ballets. The Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna pas de deux from Company Director David Bintley's Hobson's Choice is a funny and warming peek into the lives of two unlikely lovers. This is followed by the 'Bethena Concert Waltz' from Kenneth MacMillan's comic ragtime ballet, Elite Syncopations. The programme finishes with the stunning, virtuoso pas de deux from Marius Petipa's great classic, Don Quixote. ENDS Notes to editors: South tour venues The Lighthouse, Poole8 - 9 May 2012 - Box Office: 0844 406 8666 Hall for Cornwall, Truro 11 - 12 May 2012 - Box Office: 01872 262466 Repertory: Take Five Concerto Pas de deux Swan Lake White Swan pas de deux The Two Pigeons excerpt The Grand Tour North tour venues Gala Theatre, Durham 8 – 9 May 2012 - Box Office: 0191 332 4041 Theatre Royal, York 11 – 12 May 2012- Box Office: 01904 623568 Buxton Opera House 15 – 16 May 2012- Box Office: 0845 127 2190 Repertory: Lyric Pieces Pineapple Poll Hobson’s Choice Clog Dance and Lily of Laguna Elite Syncopations Bethena Concert Waltz Don Quixote Pas de deux (edited to delete personal contact details)

The information has been made available to NB Friends. It's at the Grand Theatre 18-29 December. I haven't been to Glasgow for about 6 years but often went on my own and felt fine walking back to my hotel after a performance. Glasgow is like any city - be sensible and you should be ok.

It's some years since I have had an opportunity to go to Glasgow but there were plenty of reasonably priced hotels on Renfrew Street. 5-10 minutes walk from the lovely Theatre Royal, depending on which one you chose. Also NB are doing their delightful Nutcracker in Leeds in December. BRB are doing Cinderella this year so no Nutcracker in Birmingham.