penelopesimpson

Thank you for these fabulous pictures

Okay, I'm hung out to dry on my use of the word imperious! Perhaps cool elegance would be more apt, but as an amateur without the knowledge that you have, I can only call it as I see it. Naghdi and Ball were as wonderful as they always are, I was simply articulating that I don't think this is Yasmine's most natural role which does not imply any criticism towards a fabulous performance. For me, and possibly only me, she is a light as air joyful nymph with a smiling persona that is a dream to watch. However, Emeralds is IMHO (and I emphasise the humble,) a piece of icy elegance which, yesterday was best personified by Mendizabal and Edmonds. I should also have said that in Rubies, Alexander Campbell brought a powerful physicality to the role which exactly suited him. Loved it all and loved that the audience loved it. A joyful afternoon.

Does this mean Melissa Hamilton is now back at RB?

Am I right in thinking Melissa Hamilton is back?

A truly wonderful afternoon and it seemed like the audience felt the same. Jewels is a ballet I've come to late in life but it blazed in splendour today. Specifically, Yasmine and Matthew absolutely wonderful although I do wonder if this is actually the role for her. Seems to me it requires a sort of icy imperiousness which is not Naghdi's personality, but wonderful nevertheless particularly her exquisite arms. I felt that Itziar and Nicol were more 'naturals' for this ballet as they have that cold dignity that I feel the ballet requires. I was entranced by the reaction of the little girls sitting in the row infront who never moved a muscle other than to go 'oh' and 'ah' at all the right moments. Rubies was an amazing contrast with Tierney Heap raditating electricity and, for me, dominating the proceedings. Akane and Mr. Campbell completely on form and well-matched although not a natural pairing but I don't suppose it matters in this piece. Diamonds was sublime. Would I be right in thinking that Matthew Golding was destined for Muntagirov's role? Whatever, everything worked beautifully and as an ensemble piece it was perfect. I have wondered before if there is nothing Muntagirov can't do. He appears to dance on a cloud, leaping and twirling with incredible lightnesss. I wonder how he will develop because at the moment for me he lacks the physicality that some parts demand but in this he and Lauren were spellbinding. Thanks to all the cast - horrified to realise it was all happening again tonight with, presumably some of the corps having to repeat their performance.

Cheers for that. Was there a lot of bad behavour? I'm gearing myself up for the Marinsky audiences who seem surgically attached to their phones

Can you give us the gist? What was on March 1?

I find it interesting that the fastest selling of all the Marinsky productions is Anna Karenina, notably the Vishneva evening. I saw this when they were last here and really enjoyed it as well as marvelling at Vishneva's dramatic ability. And yet perceived wisdom is that this is a flawed ballet. Perhaps it is just because there are only the two performances.

What a great post. So informative but I am sorry you paid such a high price for your love of ballet. I hope you enjoy your time in London

Just took another look and they're not exactly rushing out the door! Are the Super Seats sold separately through the Hochhausers? Anna Karenina has most seats gone

Thanks. I just bought Bayadere and SW in case! Quite a lot of choice so Friends don't seem to have snaffled that much. Not so Kaufmann's Otello - Nothing!

Based on previous years, does the Marinsky sell out, so best to get tickets now?

Thank you for that great clip, Jane. Will look forward to the programme.

If he ever gets there....poor kid, having to travel from Kensington to Battersea at rush hour twice a day. Seems a strange choice.

OMG! I sent him a Tweet wishing him a speedy recovery and telling him he was much missed and he Tweeted back! He says he is much better now. Walking on air! And I have never used Twitter before. What a nice guy he must be to bother.

Thank-you. I can breathe easy...

Just threw it in. Nobody would be more disappointed than me. That's three male Principals out with injury?

I presume a stress factor is not a nice thing. Poor Ed, he has been in magnificent form recently. I wonder who they would replace him with for Mayerling? Polunin - as its Osipova???????

Both possible but surely unlikely that all these people happened to have seats in the centre of the Stalls?

It is weird. On opening day for Mayerling there was nothing left for Watson on all three dates. Some more tickets appeared just after 10 and I got mine but its been showing Sold Out ever since. Are we to assume that Ed has fallen out with 86 close friends and relatives who have all suddenly returned their seats?!

86 tickets suddenly appeared for Watson on the 11th. Weird

Just spotted a few tickets available for the 28th

Big thanks for that. I got some!