Ryo

From the Press Release THE ULTIMATE FORM by Kenneth Lindall The Ultimate Form will take place in The Hepworth Wakefield's gallery garden come rain or shine, feel free to bring your own seating or picnic blankets.The performance will last approximately 90 minutes. The event is FREE, but booking is essential, email hello@hepworthwakefield.org or call 01924 247360 to reserve your place today. THE ULTIMATE FORMPERFORMANCE IS SUPPORTED BY: The Emerald Foundation, The Ofenheim Charitable Trust, Arts Council England, LS-Live/Backstage, Blum & Poe and Illamasqua. THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD The gallery is at the heart of Wakefield’s regeneration. Designed by the internationally acclaimed practice, David Chipperfield Architects, it is funded by Wakefield Council and Arts Council England with additional funding from a number of charitable trusts and private individuals. The gallery opened on 21 May 2011 and has attracted 512,000 visitors within the first 12 months. The Hepworth Wakefield, Gallery Walk, West Yorkshire, WF1 5AW Free admission Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm and 10am – 9pm on the Third Thursday of every month Closed Mondays (except for Bank Holidays and school holidays) 01924 247360 Twitter www.twitter.com/HepworthGallery Facebook www.facebook.com/TheHepworthWakefield

Hi Janet, I may. I have not been well since May last year. So I have to be very careful about myself. I went to Buxton for BRB last year, but could not find the place to stay overnight... So I came back from Manchester by overnight coach... Beautiful opera house but difficult to get there from London... Ryo

Hi Janet, Thank you so much for you to let me know the detailed information of NB in London! Very much obliged!! Have a Great Time with NB in Norwich! (I was in Cardiff last Thursday afternoon by the way) Ryo

Hi Janet and nottsballetlover, Thank you for your comments! I either go to Nottingham (North) and High Wycombe (South) or Cheltenham (South) and Buxton (North). Waiting BRB press to post the full casting for Buxton and High Wycombe... In London we have Hensel and Gretel (8-11 May) and The Great Gatsby by Northern Ballet (14-18 May). Difficult to schedule myself.... Hi Janet, I have heard that the stage of Buxton Opera House is nightmare for ballerinas. (part flat and part raked...) Must be very difficult for some of BRB ballerinas who performed Don Q last year! Best, Ryo

Hi Aileen, Thank you so much for your reminder! I booked Upper circle ticket for Saturday afternoon performance at Sadler's Wells. I booked tickets for Friday evening and 2 shows on Saturday. I hope I will be able to see 3 different casts of my choice. (Batley /Leebolt /Contadini / Tindall + Torres /Blow /Takahashi / Hull + Dixon / Moore / Poeung / Takahashi) However I feel so insecure about I may not be able to see some of above mentioned casts. I am a Big Fan of Northern Ballet. Therefore I can not schedule myself When / What time (exactly) I should see performances. The company let us know the casting at very last minute!!! Is anyone else frustrated as much as I am? Hi Janet, This is my 1st time to see NB at Sadler's Wells. Performances by NB at Sadler's Wells normally become sold out? Best regards, Ryo

Casting for South-West tour spring 2013 Hall for Cornwall - 17 - 18 May 2013 Unless otherwise noted, performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet; leader: Robert Gibbs. Casting given below is for principal roles; if casting changes are necessary, they will be reflected in the final castsheet which can be downloaded by clicking here. 17 May 2013 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Ambra Vallo, Momoko Hirata, Delia Mathews,Angela Paul Four men: Benjamin Soerel, Brandon Lawrence, Tzu-Chao Chou,Oliver Till Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Giselle: Harvest pas de deux Female peasant: Momoko Hirata Male peasant: Tzu-Chao Chou Pavane pas de deux Woman: Jenna Roberts Man: Iain Mackay Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Ambra Vallo Basilio: César Morales Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Iain Mackay Pineapple Poll: Maureya Lebowitz Jasper: James Barton Blanche: Ana Albutashvili Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis 18 May 2013 2:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Maureya Lebowitz, Jenna Roberts, Yvette Knight,Yijing Zhang Four men: Iain Mackay, James Barton, Mathias Dingman,William Bracewell Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Giselle: Harvest pas de deux Female peasant: Angela Paul Male peasant: William Bracewell Pavane pas de deux Woman: Delia Mathews Man: Brandon Lawrence Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Maureya Lebowitz Basilio: Mathias Dingman Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: César Morales Pineapple Poll: Ambra Vallo Jasper: Tzu-Chao Chou Blanche: Laura Day Mrs Dimple: Yijing Zhang Conductor: Philip Ellis 18 May 2013 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Angela Paul, Ambra Vallo, Momoko Hirata,Delia Mathews Four men: William Bracewell, Brandon Lawrence, Tzu-Chao Chou, Oliver Till Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Giselle: Harvest pas de deux Female peasant: Maureya Lebowitz Male peasant: Mathias Dingman Pavane pas de deux Woman: Ambra Vallo Man: William Bracewell Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Momoko Hirata Basilio: Tzu-Chao Chou Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Iain Mackay Pineapple Poll: Angela Paul Jasper: Mathias Dingman Blanche: Maureya Lebowitz Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis

Casting for North-East tour spring 2013 Durham Gala - 17 - 18 May 2013 Unless otherwise noted, performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet; leader: Robert Gibbs. Casting given below is for principal roles; if casting changes are necessary, they will be reflected in the final castsheet which can be downloaded by clicking here. 17 May 2013 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Jonathan Caguioa, Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith,Tyrone Singleton, Callie Roberts Three to get Ready: Kristen McGarrity, Laura-Jane Gibson,Arancha Baselga Flying Solo: Joseph Caley Two Step: Céline Gittens, Tyrone Singleton Four Square: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith, Jonathan Caguioa,Joseph Caley Double Take: Entire Cast Giselle: Act II pas de deux Giselle: Natasha Oughtred Albrecht: Chi Cao Façade: excerpts Foxtrot: Jonathan Caguioa, Céline Gittens, Callie Roberts,Rory Mackay Popular Song: Kit Holder, Lewis Turner Tango: Samara Downs, Valentin Olovyannikov The Dream: pas de deux Oberon: Joseph Caley Titania: Elisha Willis The Grand Tour American Lady: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Steven Monteith Gertrude Lawrence: Elisha Willis Noël Coward: Jamie Bond Mary Pickford: Ruth Brill Douglas Fairbanks: Lachlan Monaghan Theda Bara: Samara Downs George Bernard Shaw: Tom Rogers Gertrude Stein: Jonathan Payn Alice B. Toklas: Kristen McGarrity Conductor: Paul Murphy 18 May 2013 2:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Kit Holder, Tom Rogers, Lachlan Monaghan,Kristen McGarrity, Tyrone Singleton Three to get Ready: Miki Mizutani, Victoria Marr, Ruth Brill Flying Solo: Lewis Turner Two Step: Céline Gittens, Tyrone Singleton Four Square: Lachlan Monaghan, Lewis Turner, Tom Rogers,Kit Holder Double Take: Entire Cast Giselle: Act II pas de deux Giselle: Elisha Willis Albrecht: Joseph Caley Façade: excerpts Foxtrot: Céline Gittens, Tom Rogers, Victoria Marr, Jonathan Payn Popular Song: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith Tango: Samara Downs, Valentin Olovyannikov The Dream: pas de deux Titania: Nao Sakuma Oberon: Chi Cao The Grand Tour American Lady: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Steven Monteith Gertrude Lawrence: Samara Downs Noël Coward: Rory Mackay Mary Pickford: Natasha Oughtred Douglas Fairbanks: Feargus Campbell Theda Bara: Callie Roberts George Bernard Shaw: Valentin Olovyannikov Gertrude Stein: Jonathan Payn Alice B. Toklas: Arancha Baselga Conductor: Paul Murphy 18 May 2013 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Lachlan Monaghan, Tom Rogers, Kit Holder, Samara Downs,Jamie Bond Three to get Ready: Victoria Marr, Ruth Brill, Miki Mizutani Flying Solo: Lewis Turner Two Step: Elisha Willis, Jamie Bond Four Square: Kit Holder, Tom Rogers, Lewis Turner,Lachlan Monaghan Double Take: Entire Cast Giselle: Act II pas de deux Giselle: Nao Sakuma Albrecht: Jamie Bond Façade: excerpts Foxtrot: Jonathan Payn, Victoria Marr, Samara Downs, Tom Rogers Popular Song: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith Tango: Callie Roberts, Rory Mackay The Dream: pas de deux Oberon: Chi Cao Titania: Natasha Oughtred The Grand Tour American Lady: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Tom Rogers Gertrude Lawrence: Elisha Willis Noël Coward: Rory Mackay Mary Pickford: Arancha Baselga Douglas Fairbanks: Joseph Caley Theda Bara: Céline Gittens George Bernard Shaw: Jonathan Payn Gertrude Stein: Kit Holder Alice B. Toklas: Jade Heusen Conductor: Paul Murphy

Casting for South-West tour spring 2013 The Lighthouse - 14 - 15 May 2013 Unless otherwise noted, performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet; leader: Robert Gibbs. Casting given below is for principal roles; if casting changes are necessary, they will be reflected in the final castsheet which can be downloaded by clicking here. 14 May 2013 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Yvette Knight, Jenna Roberts, Maureya Lebowitz,Yijing Zhang Four men: Mathias Dingman, Brandon Lawrence, James Barton,Iain Mackay Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Giselle: Harvest pas de deux Female peasant: Maureya Lebowitz Male peasant: Mathias Dingman Pavane pas de deux Woman: Ambra Vallo Man: William Bracewell Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Momoko Hirata Basilio: Tzu-Chao Chou Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: César Morales Pineapple Poll: Ambra Vallo Jasper: Tzu-Chao Chou Blanche: Laura Day Mrs Dimple: Yijing Zhang Conductor: Philip Ellis 15 May 2013 2:00 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Maureya Lebowitz, Jenna Roberts, Yvette Knight,Yijing Zhang Four men: Iain Mackay, James Barton, Mathias Dingman,William Bracewell Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Giselle: Harvest pas de deux Female peasant: Angela Paul Male peasant: William Bracewell Pavane pas de deux Woman: Delia Mathews Man: Brandon Lawrence Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Ambra Vallo Basilio: César Morales Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Iain Mackay Pineapple Poll: Maureya Lebowitz Jasper: James Barton Blanche: Ana Albutashvili Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis 15 May 2013 7:30 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Angela Paul, Ambra Vallo, Momoko Hirata,Delia Mathews Four men: Brandon Lawrence, James Barton, Benjamin Soerel,Tzu-Chao Chou Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Giselle: Harvest pas de deux Female peasant: Momoko Hirata Male peasant: Tzu-Chao Chou Pavane pas de deux Woman: Jenna Roberts Man: Iain Mackay Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Maureya Lebowitz Basilio: Mathias Dingman Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: César Morales Pineapple Poll: Angela Paul Jasper: Mathias Dingman Blanche: Laura Day Mrs Dimple: Yijing Zhang Conductor: Philip Ellis

Casting for North-East tour spring 2013 York Theatre Royal - 14 - 15 May 2013 Unless otherwise noted, performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet; leader: Robert Gibbs. Casting given below is for principal roles; if casting changes are necessary, they will be reflected in the final castsheet which can be downloaded by clicking here. 14 May 2013 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Callie Roberts, Jonathan Caguioa, Feargus Campbell,Steven Monteith, Jamie Bond Three to get Ready: Kristen McGarrity, Laura-Jane Gibson,Arancha Baselga Flying Solo: Joseph Caley Two Step: Jamie Bond, Elisha Willis Four Square: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith, Jonathan Caguioa,Joseph Caley Double Take: Entire Cast Giselle: Act II pas de deux Giselle: Elisha Willis Albrecht: Joseph Caley Façade: excerpts Foxtrot: Tom Rogers, Samara Downs, Victoria Marr, Jonathan Payn Popular Song: Kit Holder, Lewis Turner Tango: Rory Mackay, Callie Roberts The Dream: pas de deux Oberon: Chi Cao Titania: Nao Sakuma The Grand Tour American Lady: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Steven Monteith Gertrude Lawrence: Samara Downs Noël Coward: Rory Mackay Mary Pickford: Natasha Oughtred Douglas Fairbanks: Feargus Campbell Theda Bara: Callie Roberts George Bernard Shaw: Tom Rogers Gertrude Stein: Jonathan Payn Alice B. Toklas: Arancha Baselga Conductor: Paul Murphy 15 May 2013 2:00 pm Take Five Take Five: Jamie Bond, Kit Holder, Tom Rogers, Lachlan Monaghan,Kristen McGarrity Three to get Ready: Miki Mizutani, Victoria Marr, Ruth Brill Flying Solo: Lewis Turner Two Step: Jamie Bond, Elisha Willis Four Square: Lachlan Monaghan, Lewis Turner, Tom Rogers,Kit Holder Double Take: Entire Cast Giselle: Act II pas de deux Giselle: Natasha Oughtred Albrecht: Chi Cao Façade: excerpts Foxtrot: Jonathan Caguioa, Céline Gittens, Callie Roberts,Rory Mackay Popular Song: Kit Holder, Lewis Turner Tango: Samara Downs, Valentin Olovyannikov The Dream: pas de deux Titania: Elisha Willis Oberon: Joseph Caley The Grand Tour American Lady: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Tom Rogers Gertrude Lawrence: Samara Downs Noël Coward: Rory Mackay Mary Pickford: Ruth Brill Douglas Fairbanks: Lachlan Monaghan Theda Bara: Céline Gittens George Bernard Shaw: Valentin Olovyannikov Gertrude Stein: Kit Holder Alice B. Toklas: Jade Heusen Conductor: Paul Murphy 15 May 2013 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Tyrone Singleton, Steven Monteith, Feargus Campbell,Jonathan Caguioa, Samara Downs Three to get Ready: Laura-Jane Gibson, Arancha Baselga,Kristen McGarrity Flying Solo: Joseph Caley Two Step: Tyrone Singleton, Céline Gittens Four Square: Joseph Caley, Jonathan Caguioa, Feargus Campbell,Steven Monteith Double Take: Entire Cast Giselle: Act II pas de deux Giselle: Nao Sakuma Albrecht: Jamie Bond Façade: excerpts Foxtrot: Jonathan Payn, Victoria Marr, Samara Downs, Tom Rogers Popular Song: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith Tango: Callie Roberts, Rory Mackay The Dream: pas de deux Oberon: Chi Cao Titania: Natasha Oughtred The Grand Tour American Lady: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Steven Monteith Gertrude Lawrence: Elisha Willis Noël Coward: Jamie Bond Mary Pickford: Arancha Baselga Douglas Fairbanks: Joseph Caley Theda Bara: Samara Downs George Bernard Shaw: Jonathan Payn Gertrude Stein: Rory Mackay Alice B. Toklas: Kristen McGarrity Conductor: Paul Murphy

Casting for South-West tour spring 2013 Everyman Theatre - 10 - 11 May 2013 Unless otherwise noted, performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet; leader: Robert Gibbs. Casting given below is for principal roles; if casting changes are necessary, they will be reflected in the final castsheet which can be downloaded by clicking here. 10 May 2013 7:45 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Yvette Knight, Jenna Roberts, Maureya Lebowitz,Yijing Zhang Four men: Mathias Dingman, Brandon Lawrence, James Barton,Iain Mackay Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Giselle: Harvest pas de deux Female peasant: Momoko Hirata Male peasant: Tzu-Chao Chou Pavane pas de deux Woman: Delia Mathews Man: Brandon Lawrence Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Ambra Vallo Basilio: César Morales Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Iain Mackay Pineapple Poll: Angela Paul Jasper: Mathias Dingman Blanche: Maureya Lebowitz Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis 11 May 2013 2:00 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Delia Mathews, Momoko Hirata, Ambra Vallo,Angela Paul Four men: Oliver Till, Tzu-Chao Chou, Benjamin Soerel,Brandon Lawrence Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Giselle: Harvest pas de deux Female peasant: Angela Paul Male peasant: William Bracewell Pavane pas de deux Woman: Jenna Roberts Man: Iain Mackay Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Maureya Lebowitz Basilio: Mathias Dingman Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: Iain Mackay Pineapple Poll: Ambra Vallo Jasper: Tzu-Chao Chou Blanche: Maureya Lebowitz Mrs Dimple: Yvette Knight Conductor: Philip Ellis 11 May 2013 7:45 pm Lyric Pieces Four women: Yijing Zhang, Yvette Knight, Jenna Roberts,Maureya Lebowitz Four men: William Bracewell, Mathias Dingman, James Barton,Iain Mackay Solo piano: Jonathan Higgins Giselle: Harvest pas de deux Female peasant: Maureya Lebowitz Male peasant: Mathias Dingman Pavane pas de deux Woman: Ambra Vallo Man: William Bracewell Don Quixote: Pas de deux Kitri: Momoko Hirata Basilio: Tzu-Chao Chou Pineapple Poll Captain Belaye: César Morales Pineapple Poll: Angela Paul Jasper: James Barton Blanche: Ana Albutashvili Mrs Dimple: Yijing Zhang Conductor: Philip Ellis

Casting for North-East tour spring 2013 Theatre Royal Nottingham - 10 - 11 May 2013 Unless otherwise noted, performances by Birmingham Royal Ballet are accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet; leader: Robert Gibbs. Casting given below is for principal roles; if casting changes are necessary, they will be reflected in the final castsheet which can be downloaded by clicking here. 10 May 2013 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Jonathan Caguioa, Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith,Tyrone Singleton, Callie Roberts Three to get Ready: Kristen McGarrity, Victoria Marr, Arancha Baselga Flying Solo: Joseph Caley Two Step: Céline Gittens, Tyrone Singleton Four Square: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith, Jonathan Caguioa,Joseph Caley Double Take: Entire Cast Giselle: Act II pas de deux Giselle: Nao Sakuma Albrecht: Jamie Bond Façade: excerpts Foxtrot: Tom Rogers, Samara Downs, Victoria Marr, Jonathan Payn Popular Song: Feargus Campbell, Steven Monteith Tango: Rory Mackay, Callie Roberts The Dream: pas de deux Oberon: Chi Cao Titania: Elisha Willis The Grand Tour American Lady: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Tom Rogers Gertrude Lawrence: Elisha Willis Noël Coward: Jamie Bond Mary Pickford: Arancha Baselga Douglas Fairbanks: Joseph Caley Theda Bara: Samara Downs George Bernard Shaw: Jonathan Payn Gertrude Stein: Rory Mackay Alice B. Toklas: Jade Heusen Conductor: Paul Murphy 11 May 2013 2:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Callie Roberts, Jonathan Caguioa, Feargus Campbell,Steven Monteith, Tyrone Singleton Three to get Ready: Miki Mizutani, Victoria Marr, Ruth Brill Flying Solo: Lewis Turner Two Step: Céline Gittens, Tyrone Singleton Four Square: Steven Monteith, Feargus Campbell, Jonathan Caguioa,Lewis Turner Double Take: Entire Cast Giselle: Act II pas de deux Giselle: Nao Sakuma Albrecht: Chi Cao Façade: excerpts Foxtrot: Jonathan Caguioa, Céline Gittens, Callie Roberts,Rory Mackay Popular Song: Kit Holder, Lewis Turner Tango: Samara Downs, Valentin Olovyannikov The Dream: pas de deux Titania: Elisha Willis Oberon: Joseph Caley The Grand Tour American Lady: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Steven Monteith Gertrude Lawrence: Elisha Willis Noël Coward: Jamie Bond Mary Pickford: Arancha Baselga Douglas Fairbanks: Joseph Caley Theda Bara: Callie Roberts George Bernard Shaw: Jonathan Payn Gertrude Stein: Rory Mackay Alice B. Toklas: Kristen McGarrity Conductor: Paul Murphy 11 May 2013 7:30 pm Take Five Take Five: Lewis Turner, Tom Rogers, Kit Holder, Samara Downs,Jamie Bond Three to get Ready: Victoria Marr, Arancha Baselga, Kristen McGarrity Flying Solo: Joseph Caley Two Step: Elisha Willis, Jamie Bond Four Square: Joseph Caley, Kit Holder, Tom Rogers, Lewis Turner Double Take: Entire Cast Giselle: Act II pas de deux Giselle: Elisha Willis Albrecht: Joseph Caley Façade: excerpts Foxtrot: Jonathan Payn, Victoria Marr, Céline Gittens,Jonathan Caguioa Popular Song: Kit Holder, Lewis Turner Tango: Callie Roberts, Rory Mackay The Dream: pas de deux Oberon: Chi Cao Titania: Nao Sakuma The Grand Tour American Lady: Victoria Marr Chief Steward: Tom Rogers Gertrude Lawrence: Samara Downs Noël Coward: Rory Mackay Mary Pickford: Arancha Baselga Douglas Fairbanks: Feargus Campbell Theda Bara: Callie Roberts George Bernard Shaw: Valentin Olovyannikov Gertrude Stein: Jonathan Payn Alice B. Toklas: Jade Heusen Conductor: Paul Murphy

Hi Janet! I wish I could go to Virginia,too....(T_T)

Friday 19th (matinee) Swanilda: Maureya Lebowitz Franz: Joseph Caley Dr. Coppélius: Valentin Olovyannikov Friday 19th (evening) Swanilda: Nao Sakuma Franz: Chi Cao Dr. Coppélius: Michael O’Hare Saturday 20th (evening) Swanilda: Carol-Anne Millar Franz: Jamie Bond Dr. Coppélius: Rory Mackay Sunday 21st (matinee) Swanilda: Ambra Vallo Franz: Tyrone Singleton Dr. Coppélius: Jonathan Payn

Thank you so much! I could get 2 tickets!!

lbeardall company members were on a basic salary PLUS a fee for each performance. The performance fee varied of course, according to status Ryo : Dancers of Bolshoi Ballet are on the same system. On a basic salary + a fee for each performance. The performance fee varied of according to status

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET ANNOUNCES 2013 – 2014 SEASON AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME UK premiere of David Bintley’s The Prince of the Pagodas with scenery and costumes by War Horse designer Rae Smith Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker returns for Christmas A mixed bill to celebrate the work of choreographer Frederick Ashton includes a new revival of Les Rendezvous A mixed bill to showcase the work of Birmingham Royal Ballet Director David Bintley includes Still Life at the Penguin Café Plenty of family-friendly performances, including weekend matinees, during the Company’s 24th season at Birmingham Hippodrome Flexible range of ticket prices from as little as £15 with a generous choice of concessionary rates Birmingham Royal Ballet announces the 2013/2014 Birmingham Hippodrome season, the 24th season at its home theatre in the Midlands. The season will celebrate the Company’s varied repertory, from the all-time favourite The Sleeping Beauty in the autumn through to the return of The Nutcracker for Christmas and La Fille mal gardée in the summer of 2014. Added to the mix will be the UK premiere performances of a new production of The Prince of the Pagodas in February 2014. This adaptation, by Company Director David Bintley, with scenery and costumes by War Horse designer Rae Smith, will be staged during the composer Benjamin Britten’s world-wide centenary celebrations. Alongside the full-length works, the Company will perform three programmes of shorter works to include the return of Bintley’s ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café, MacMillan’s Elite Syncopations and a new revival of Frederick Ashton’s Les Rendezvous. During the 13/14 season Birmingham Royal Ballet will continue to focus on creating new works and presenting quality productions at affordable ticket prices. The Company has held most of its prices for the last few seasons and from September 2013 a flexible range of prices will enable the Company to offer tickets from as little as £15 with a generous range of concessionary rates available to many. Throughout the season, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 60 full-time dancers from across the world will be accompanied by Britain’s busiest ballet orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. The Sinfonia under the musical directorship of Koen Kessels, with Principal Conductor Paul Murphy and Conductor Phil Ellis, plays for Birmingham Royal Ballet's wide-ranging programme in the UK and abroad. The 13/14 Birmingham season begins with a mixed bill named Penguin Café. This will celebrate some of David Bintley's most popular, innovative and best-loved shorter works from the last 25 years. Penguin Café Tombeaux / E=mc² / ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café 3 – 5 October 2013 Tombeaux is Bintley’s lament on the death of his mentor, the great choreographer Frederick Ashton. This homage to classical ballet will draw the audience into a passionate and melancholic landscape. Music is by William Walton and designs by Jasper Conran with lighting by John B. Read. E=mc² won the last-ever ITV South Bank Show Award for Dance in 2010. Danced to a specially commissioned score by Australian composer Matthew Hindson, E=mc² explores Einstein’s ‘Special Theory of Relativity’ in music and dance of breathtaking energy and speed. Costumes are by Kate Ford and lighting by Peter Mumford. Completing the bill is one of Bintley’s best-known ballets, ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café. The ballet introduces a colourful host of endangered animals seeking shelter from the storm. Be introduced to a morris-dancing flea, a ballroom-dancing ram, a carnival-loving woolly monkey and many more, in a ballet that takes a witty and poignant look at man’s impact on the world. Music is by Simon Jeffes and designs by Hayden Griffin and lighting by John B. Read. The Sleeping Beauty 8 – 12 October 2013 The Sleeping Beauty is one of the most popular fairytale ballets of all time. With a classical score by Tchaikovsky and original choreography by Marius Petipa,The Sleeping Beauty is considered one of the greatest ballets from Imperial Russia. This spectacular production is by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s former director Sir Peter Wright, creator of some of the Company’s best-loved productions including The Nutcracker, Coppélia and Swan Lake. With its romantic finale packed with every fairytale character imaginable, The Sleeping Beauty is as engaging now as when the Sadler’s Wells Company premiered it in 1984. Designs are by Philip Prowse and lighting by Mark Jonathan. The Nutcracker 22 Nov – 12 Dec 2013 Over the last two decades many audience members have said their Christmas truly starts when they see Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker.In this unparalleled, world-famous production by Peter Wright, complete with sets and costumes by the designer of the Company’s stunning Cinderella, this is one family-friendly ballet not to be missed. Music is by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, choreography by Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov and Vincent Redmon. Designs are by John F. Macfarlane and lighting by David A. Finn. Three of a Kind Card Game / Slaughter on Tenth Avenue / Elite Syncopations 19 – 22 February 2014 Three of a Kind presents three witty classics from three masters of choreography: John Cranko, George Balanchine and Kenneth MacMillan. InCard Game, Stravinsky, himself a keen poker player, plays with allegiances, rivalries and power. Cranko’s witty choreography entered the Royal Ballet repertory in 1966. In this modern classic, the sly Joker banishes the proud Queen, the Two, Three, Four, Five and Six strike a straight flush, and little Two of Diamonds tries to spoil everyone’s fun. Music is by Igor Stravinsky and designs are by Dorothee Zippel and lighting by Peter Teigen. Created by great ballet choreographer George Balanchine for the musical On Your Toes!, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue is a crazy 1930s comedy, its humour and vitality providing plenty of entertainment. After discovering that a hitman in the audience is to shoot him as soon as his stage routine is over, a luckless leading man has no option but to extend his frantic solo until the cops arrive! Music is by the great Richard Rodgers and designs by Kate Ford and lighting by Johnny Westall-Eyre. In Elite Syncopations, a completely stripped-back theatre bursts into life as dancers in brilliantly coloured costumes gather for a dance competition. An equally vibrant rag-time band play old favourites from Scott Joplin and his contemporaries to accompany a string of sketches, spanning the dazzling, the witty and the touching, as each dancer at the competition takes their turn. One of MacMillan’s best-loved creations, Elite Syncopations is certain to leave audiences smiling. Choreography is by Kenneth MacMillan and designs are by Ian Spurling and lighting by John B. Read. The Prince of the Pagodas 25 Feb –1 March 2014 David Bintley has created an imaginative reworking of the classic story that celebrates the power of family love. Bintley’s The Prince of the Pagodas,to Benjamin Britten’s only commissioned ballet score, was rapturously received by audiences and critics at its premiere by the National Ballet of Japan in 2011. The spectacular and imaginative costumes from War Horse designer Rae Smith promises to bring to life the elegance and beauty of the Chrysanthemum Kingdom, and will capture the audiences’ imaginations in the journey through the elements of earth, air, fire and water. The Prince of the Pagodas tells the story of the Princess Sakura who mourns the death of her brother and the slow disintegration of her once all-powerful father the Emperor of the Chrysanthemum Throne, who, broken by the death of his son, allows his new wife to take control of his kingdom. Presented with a choice of four powerful and wealthy husbands, Sakura’s memories of the true love she once felt for her brother gives her the courage to refuse her suitors. Her resolve is reinforced when a fifth suitor arrives at the palace – a scaly Salamander, both fascinating and repellent. Determined not to be forced to follow her stepmother’s bidding, Princess Sakura throws herself on the mercy of the new arrival. After a long and dangerous journey they arrive at the Salamander’s kingdom, but Sakura’s adventure has only just begun. Bintley follows in the chorographic footsteps of Cranko and MacMillan. Cranko choreographed The Prince of the Pagodas in 1957 for the Sadler’s Wells Ballet and MacMillan’s version premiered in 1989 for The Royal Ballet. The Prince of the Pagodas is supported (2014) by The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, The John Feeney Charitable Trust, The Britten-Pears Foundation, The Patrick Trust and The Boltini Trust. Darkness and Light Dante Sonata / Les Rendezvous / Façade 4 – 7 June 2014 Darkness and Light presents three early works from the founder choreographer of the Royal Ballet companies, master of the art form, Frederick Ashton. Fragile innocence confronts desperate evil in the simple and poignant Dante Sonata, created at the height of World War II. The elegant white-clad Children of Light battle the dark and serpentine Children of Darkness with only one certain outcome – like every war, there will be casualties on both sides. Danced to a passionate, virtuoso score by Franz Liszt, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, the piece still holds a chilling resonance today. Designs are by Sophie Fedorovitch and lighting by Mark Jonathan. Created in 1933, Les Rendezvous was Ashton’s first major ballet for the then Vic-Wells Ballet. This gentle piece, in which friends and acquaintances meet and dance together in a park, allows each of the dancers an opportunity to display virtuoso skills and technique in a series of solos, pas de deuxand ensemble dances. Music is by Daniel Auber, arranged and orchestrated by Constant Lambert, with designs by Anthony Ward and lighting by John B. Read. Finally, based on Edith Sitwell’s deliciously nonsensical poetry, Façade embraces the fun of it all with whole-hearted and wilful abandon. Music is by William Walton with designs by John Armstrong and lighting by Peter Teigen. La Fille mal gardée 11 – 15 June 2014 The 2013/14 Birmingham Hippodrome season finishes with the funny and tender La Fille mal gardée. This charming ballet was an instant hit when it was created by Frederick Ashton for the Royal Ballet in 1960. Ever popular because of its simple, engaging story, wonderful wit and passion, La Fille mal gardée is known for its famous clog and ribbon dances and remains a firm favourite for all the family, ballet aficionados or those new to ballet. Music is by Ferdinand Hérold,freely adapted and arranged by John Lanchbery, scenario by Jean Dauberval with designs by Osbert Lancaster and lighting by Peter Teigen. ENDS BRB @ BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME 2013–14 season on-sale dates 10 April: BRB Friends’ season and individual tickets, and season tickets for previous subscribers processed from this date (post only). 17 April: New season ticket purchasers (post only). 7 May: Individual tickets BRB Friends (telephone) and Birmingham Hippodrome Friends. 8 May: On-line individual tickets, telephone and in-person individual tickets. Book tickets online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or phone Birmingham Hippodrome ticket office 0844 338 5000. For full booking informationplease visit www.brb.org.uk/seasonticket Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Birmingham Hippodrome 13/14 season at a glance: 3–5 October 2013 - Penguin Café (Tombeaux | E=mc2 | ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café) 8–12 October 2013 - The Sleeping Beauty 22 Nov–12 Dec 2013 - The Nutcracker 19–22 Feb 2014 - Three of a Kind (Card Game | Slaughter on Tenth Avenue | Elite Syncopations) 25 Feb–1 March 2014 - The Prince of the Pagodas 4–7 June 2014 - Darkness and Light (Dante Sonata | Les Rendezvous | Façade) 11–15 June 2014 - La Fille mal gardée · Autumn 2013 tour dates confirmed (more information and 13/14 tour dates to follow) The Lowry: 25 – 28 Sep The Sleeping Beauty Sadler’s Wells, London: 15 & 16 Oct Penguin Café, 17 – 19 Oct The Sleeping Beauty Sunderland Empire Theatre: 24 – 26 October 2013 The Sleeping Beauty Theatre Royal Plymouth: 29 & 30 Oct Penguin Café, 31 Oct – 2 Nov 2013 The Sleeping Beauty

Luca has been accepted to the Royal Ballet company in early March.

Thanks Janet. I enjoyed the trailar very much! Ryo

Dear all, Please allow me to update my verdict. I've just came back from Japan and suffered from sevier jet lag when I posted the 1st version... I have checked my 2012 performance diary to make below updated version. Some of you may be suprised to find that I added many names which belongs to the Royal Ballet Company... Best Production Overall: 　 Swan Lake by Sir Peter Wright (BRB) Best New Production: Faster by David Bintley　(BRB) Best Revival: 　　 Far from the Madding Crowd (BRB) Best Staging: Faster by David Bintley (BRB) / *Trespass in Titian 2012 (RB) Best Home Company: Birmingham Royal Ballet / Northern Ballet Best Visiting Company: San Francisco Ballet / *Eifman Ballet Best Male Dancer: Chi Cao (BRB) Best Female Dancer: Nao Sakuma (BRB) *Tamara Rojo (RB / ENB) Best Partnership: Nao Sakuma & Chi Cao, Nao Sakuma & Robert Parker Most Promising Male: Kevin Poeung (NB) Most Promising Female: Antoinett Brooks Daw (NB), Maureya Lebowitz (BRB), * Beatriz Stix-Brunell (RB) -Alphabetical order- Worst Production: N.A. Special Mention(Good) Dancers Jamie Bond as Sergeant Troy in Far from the Madding Crowd(BRB) -Alphabetical order- *William Bracewell as Oberon in The Dream (BRB) *Yuhui Choe in Requiem (RB) *Ryoichi Hirano as Salamander Prince in The Prince of the Pagodas (RB) *Valeri Hristov as the King of the East in The Prince of the Pagodas (RB) *Steven McRae in Carbon Life (RB) *Itziar Mendizabal as The Firebird (RB) *Marianela Nunez as Diana in Diana and Actaeon in Titian 2012 (RB) *Tyrone Singleton as Boldwood in Far from the Madding Crowd, as Prince Siegfried (BRB) *Beatriz Stix-Brunell as Princess Rose in The Prince of the Pagodas, in Trespass / Titian 2012 (RB) *Dawid Trzensimiech as James in La Sylphide (RB) *Edward Watson in Requiem (RB) *Valentino Zucchetti as The Fool in The Prince of the Pagodas (RB) Choreographer *Alastair Marriott & Christopher Wheeldon / Trespass in Titian 2012 (RB) *Liam Scarlett / Sweet Violets (RB) *Valentino Zuchetti / Brandenburg Divertissementhis in First Drafts (RB) Eye-opener of the Year: Faster by David Bintley　(BRB) / *Anna Karenina by Boris Eifman

Best Production Overall: 　Swan Lake by Sir Peter Wright (BRB) Best New Production: Faster by David Bintley　(BRB) Best Revival: 　　 Far from the Madding Crowd (BRB) Best Staging: Faster by David Bintley (BRB) Best Home Company: Birmingham Royal Ballet / Northern Ballet Best Visiting Company: San Francisco Ballet Best Male Dancer: Chi Cao (BRB) Best Female Dancer: Nao Sakuma (BRB) Best Partnership: Nao Sakuma & Chi Cao, Nao Sakuma & Robert Parker Most Promising Male: Kevin Poeung (NB) Most Promising Female: Antoinett Brooks Daw (NB), Maureya Lebowitz (BRB) Worst Production: N.A. Special Mention(Good) Jamie Bond as Sergeant Troy in Far from the Madding Crowd(BRB) Eye-opener of the Year: Faster by David Bintley　(BRB) I live in London, watching performances by the Royal Ballet Company as much as I watch performances by BRB and by NB. I just can not find interesting productions, dancers, partnership within the Royal Ballet Company in recent years.

Casting sheet / Bath performances 27Nov.,-1Dec. http://northernballet.com/index.php?q=beauty-and-the-beast/cast-sheet

Saturday / 1st December./ Evening performance Jenna Roberts & Matthew Lawrence will be performing (Not Nao Sakuma & Jamie Bond)

Hi Janet, I saw the news,too! Alex has been busy working for both RB & BRB!!

Hi Janet, I heard that Elisha Willis & Iain MacKay will be performing tomorrow afternoon. Jenna Roberts & Matthew Lawrence will be performing tomorrow evening.

Wednesday was the opening night. However half of male dancers who supposed to perform The Prince have been injured or ill. Momoko Hirata & Cesar Morales performed last night.(not Natasha Oughtred & Joseph Caley) Nao Sakuma & Iain MacKay will be performing tonight. (not Nao Sakuma & Jamie Bond) I am wondering whether Iain MacKay will be performing tomorrow afternoon or not.