Fiona

Thank you, capybara, for telling us about this Gala. It sounds fabulous, with such a diverse and varied programme. It really is great for those of us, also, who never get to London, to be able to read about these events. I wish there were photos of it!

Personally speaking, I would gladly listen to the judges any time, rather than the inane "jokes" that Bruce inflicts us with! They are the first thing that should go if the programme is running late. He really should be replaced. (I switch off the sound whenever it is "bad joke time".) I thought Darcey was great, and I can't wait for the rest of the shows, with her gracing our screens!

Gailene Stock is one of Kitri's friends in this, I believe. Her husband is also in it.

I just saw that Darcey Bussell is on the Steve Wright show on Radio 2 at 2pm this afternoon.

John Suchet played the gorgeous 'Panorama' from Act 2 Sleeping Beauty on Classic FM at lunch time yesterday, and wished Darcey Bussell a Happy Birthday. Lovely!

Many congratulations to Edward Watson, and also to Dame Monica Mason. Unfortunately the transmission cut off just as Edward came up on stage to receive his Olivier award, and after he had said "Thank you very much". Did anyone else see the whole speech in its entirety? I thoroughly enjoyed the whole show, and am hoping that next year it will be a regular transmission, and not only on the BBC Red Button. I particularly enjoyed seeing the excerpt from Singin' in the Rain starring Adam Cooper. What a surreal moment for him to be performing again on the ROH stage! I hope he enjoyed it! (edited to add a sentence.) I believe the highlights are on the red button again from 6pm this evening.

I believe that Alice lists Nicholas Wright as Scenario. In the documentary Being Alice, it shows Christopher Wheeldon in a meeting at the beginning of the process with Joby Talbot (Music), Bob Crowley (Designs), and Nicholas Wright (Scenario).

I agree about Yuhui Choe. She has already guested elsewhere as Odette/Odile, and the clips of her performance are lovely!

I believe I remember Monica Mason saying in an interview that there was a real "buzz" about Alice in the company when it was being created. Something she only recalled previously with La Fille Mal Gardee, and Romeo and Juliet. There was also an excellent review of it in the Sunday Times yesterday, by David Dougill entitled "A thing of wonder". Finishing : ..."With so many delights, this production has doubtless earned a long life in the Covent Garden repertory". (Forgive me if this is already in Links, I haven't checked them yet!!)"

Thank you very much, Alison. You are right in thinking that I would not want the whole thread printed out, just the page that the cast list is on! I will try to follow your instructions and Copy and Paste it. Thank you again.

Well, I am sure that 'Alice' never set out to compete with Macmillan or Petipa. It is a joyous, colourful and entertaining production for children and the young in heart, and if it entices children into the ROH to watch the RB, that can only bode well for tomorrow's audiences.

Please forgive me if I am incorrect, but am I right in thinking that the previous ballet.co.uk used to have "Printable version" on the pages, and currently that is not there? It was extremely useful for printing out Cast Lasts, and schedules (like the timings of the RBL yesterday,) though I was able to get that later from the Guardian website. I do like to have a record of cast lists though, so is there any chance it will return, please?!

Actually I was amazed when I saw how many postings are to be seen on Doing Dance! It is great that it is popular with so many students and Mums, etc. Personally speaking my ballet dancing days are long gone, my daughter all grown up, and grandson not a fan of ballet! So the news items and reviews are paramount to me. I am also interested in the RBS though, and love to read about winners and dancers there. I rather like having What's Happening and News separate, and if a certain topic is not so interesting to my personal preference, odds are the next one will be!

Personally speaking, my routine for years has been: What's Happening, then News, and lastly Links for the reviews. It suits me fine. I have looked at balletalert one or two times in total, but the format doesn't appeal at all. Balletco is the only one I support, and I fervently hope that it will carry on in the future!

After reading these wonderful reviews (and as I am not likely to see this ballet at a theatre), I have ordered the DVD from Amazon (with my Christmas Amazon gift certificate.) I see it was made in 2006, can you please tell me who is in the cast, as I could not read it clearly on the Amazon site. Also, it is definitely BRB performing, I hope? As I would not want another company. Bintley has the magic touch. I remember seeing Hobson's Choice ballet on television many years ago, and was absolutely enchanted with it. It has always been on my "must get" list of DVDs. Am I correct in thinking that Kevin O'Hare (now of the RB) performed as Will Mossop some time ago? Did he create the role? Also Isabel McMeekan was a wonderful Maggie, I believe?

I am afraid that my technical knowledge on a computer is extremely limited. However I would be glad to subscribe to this site, as I visit it every day, and would be lost without it!

Definitely Yuhui Choe in more principal roles. Giselle, La Sylphide, Titania, for a start! I have also wanted to see Nathalie Harrison in more prominent roles. She does not seem to have been given a chance, so far.

I absolutely agree. Thank you. It is very much appreciated.