J_New

Thanks. I went to the second performance of Hamilton and Andrijashenko specifically to see him, but he didn’t do it. So I was hoping for another chance.

Does anyone know which cast (s) Kish is Tybalt?

I guess that's for two people, Sim ...??? The visa is about 125 for one person, I think - plus a little for expenses ...

That I’m not sure, but if there is double pricing we can’t avoid paying the foreigner rate. I haven’t tried to buy a ticket from anywhere other than the theatre, and had no trouble doing that online. We also bought tickets at Mariinsky 2 just by walking in - a spontaneous purchase to see Xander. But you are right to warn about getting tickets from touts or 3rd parties - I think in Russia it’s best to do things by the book.

Not sure, Alison - it seems to have always been like that. But another thing I just thought of with tickets is to book them on the actual theatre sites, not any other. There are lots of sites like Ticketmaster that you might think are the right place to buy tickets, but actually you can't choose where you sit and they're marked up (a lot!). The official theatre sites are very easy to use, just like the ROH, and you can choose where you sit - but if you google 'ballet tickets' they aren't the first sites that come up - you have to look for them. Sorry - I'm getting carried away with my postings, but we've just enjoyed our visits there so much!!

Also meant to say that they don't normally post the season very early - just a couple of months ahead in my experience, which does make planning difficult. We went on our own, not with a group, and just swung into action once the programme was announced. if you are travelling independently you have to fix up the hotel before you can apply for a visa.

Pushkin's house is very interesting, and it's very near to the Hermitage on the Moyka canal - it's the place where he died after the duel. http://www.museumpushkin.ru/eng Also the cafe he left from to go to the duel is fun to eat in - it's very atmospheric, and near to his house. Literary Cafe Nevsky avenue, 18, Sankt-Peterburg With regard to taxis, there's a fixed price for anywhere in the city, and if you only use taxis that are linked to the hotel or a restaurant then they're fine. They're actually very cheap because of this fixed rate, but we never hopped in and out of ones we didn't know - we arranged with the taxi from the hotel to take us and pick us up when we were going to the theatre in the evening. That seems to be what most people do. During the day the city is very walkable, though you have to go on the metro at least once - it's quite something! We found that it was worth paying more for good seats in the old theatres, but not in the stalls as there's no rake. We paid more than we would at the ROH. We always went for the front row of the dress circle, as the seats in the second row are not so good and the view tends to be a bit restricted. In the new Mariinsky 2 all the sightlines are good. Avoid any performances in places like the Hermitage Theatre - they're for tourists and although OK they're not the same as going to the Mariinsky or Mikhailovsky. We loved it and have been back 3 times now. We chose to go in the winter (Jan and Feb) when there were very few tourists - in May it will be getting busy as the cruise ships may have started to arrive (see JNC's comment). When we were there the Hermitage was very quiet and we were able to wander round and see whatever we wanted without any queues. In May it might be necessary to plan your time there more carefully. We never felt that it was overly touristy, although there was some snow and the canals were frozen!

Ticket is sold, thanks. Jacky

I have SCS D29 for sale for Sat May 11th eve (7pm) - cast Lamb and Muntagirov - £11. It's an E-ticket. Pm me if you're interested. Thanks Jacky

Absolutely, Sim - and yes, Bruce - that performance of Reilly and Cojocaru in London was certainly stunning - it was one of those 'I was there' nights. I can still remember the Mirror Pas de Deux - so emotional and 'dangerous' too. I like Vogel as Lensky - but that's just me ...... for me Reilly is a superb Onegin who really inhabits the role.He brings an edge to it that I really like.

I've pm'd you - the ticket's yours.

I have SCS D31 for sale for R+J Matinee (13.30) on Saturday April 27th - £11. Cast Hamilton/Clarke. It's a 'real' ticket, so I'll post it. Send me a pm if you're interested. Thanks Jacky

I was there last night and his jacket was definitely light grey.

Have sent pm, Sim. Jacky

I saw the first performance tonight in London, and enjoyed it very much. As Jan said, there is so much to notice and so many details that are interesting and draw you in. The dancing (particularly in Act II) was glorious. I found the music a little 'dull' in Act 1, but that was a minor niggle. It's a shame that it doesn't seem to be selling so well, as it is definitely worth seeing!

I know that there are lots of tickets still available, but I have 2x £8 (senior discount) tickets for Thursday March 28th matinee (14.30) if anyone is interested. They're in the Second Circle M5 and M6, and are available for collection from the Box Office. Let me know. I'll be out of email contact all day on Wednesday, but back online in the evening. Thanks Jacky

Ryo - there's one on the ROH website now ....

Sorted, thank you. Jacky

I’m looking for one cheap seat for Sat 2nd. I will try the Friday Rush but if anyone has a spare then let me know. I already have my ticket but now need a second and it needs to be a seat. Many thanks Jacky

Have sent pm. Thanks, Jacky

Does anyone have a spare SCS ticket for Sat Feb 16th matinee? Thanks, Jacky

I've sent you a pm. Thanks, Jacky

It never seems logical to me that a good Olga will make a good Tatiana - they're so different - but then what do I know??

Yes, I've read that too - but there must be a time when new Tatianas have to emerge ..... also I saw it in Amsterdam with every role being a debut. I just hope that we can keep it in London!

Yes, Sim!! It's been too long ...... ! And so many possibilities for casting in the company ....