alison

Thanks, BBB. I had a feeling there was something more to do with capacity/scope of the instruments, but can't remember now.

I actually came across the definition of a philharmonic orchestra (as opposed to a symphony orchestra) a few years ago - can anyone remind me what it is? This might be a question for Mr or Mrs BBB

So why did it only happen today? Is there much greater demand for opera than for ballet?

Oh well, that's something. Someone has promised me a BluRay player as a housewarming present, so I might get that by the end of the decade.

Oh, I don't know. Putting Muntagirov in for the first night didn't seem to bring any complaints

Hmm. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd still rather have a DVD - I don't like watching things on computers. Presumably there is some way of stopping me from burning the whole thing to a DVD, because otherwise what would stop me from producing multiple copies and distributing them to friends? (Well, okay, my DVD burner isn't working, but that wasn't what I meant)

Thanks for the information, SPD, and to anna for the link. Those who patronise the tkts Theatre Booth in Leicester Square may like to recall at this point that their loyalty cards get them free rentals/downloads

Thanks, Naomi. And I'm going to change the title of this thread so I can add this (to me) most welcome piece of news, culled from Luke Jennings' recent review of BRB's Nutcracker in Sunday's Observer (link here: http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/dec/07/the-nutcracker-review-birmingham-royal-ballet-christmassy): "(On the subject of the Arabian dance, English National Ballet’s Nutcracker has in recent seasons featured a sadistic-looking sheikh with a bullwhip. But this season, I’m informed, is to be flagellation-free, ENB director Tamara Rojo having apparently decided that the sequence doesn’t contribute significantly to the cause of world peace.)"

I take your point that he may be entitled to do what he likes in his own home, although I'm not sure whether that includes the garden, in full view of the neighbours. However, you imply that he's actually (deliberately?) *moved* the TV so that it's visible to you - and there's the matter of the magazine to consider: it didn't land there by accident. Now, he may just be thinking it's a bit of a laugh and he's winding you up, or he may be getting some weird kick out of it, or worse. Oh, and by the way, the ex-colleague I mentioned above was initially reluctant to go to the police because she thought she might be overreacting. When she did finally go, she found they took it a lot more seriously than she had, and told her she should have contacted them sooner. And that was probably 15 years or so ago.

We are frequently told these days, it seems, that it's fairly "normal" for men to look at porn. However, *this* sounds way beyond "normal" - and it is clearly having an impact on your life. You shouldn't be having to live with your blinds closed all the time so you can't see him and he can't see you. I agree that it is effectively harassment - although he may not see it that way. The situation calls to mind a former colleague of mine who acquired a stalker: he used to follow her back and forth between the station and the office - never used to say or do anything, but it got her feeling really worried, to the extent that she wouldn't leave the office on her own of an evening, and eventually she went to the police. They stopped him one day, had a quiet word and pointed out that his actions were causing her distress, and would he please stop it. He clearly hadn't realised the distress he was causing, and she never had any further problems after that. Now, this man may be like that - or he may not. The situation seems to be escalating, and may continue to do so. It does sound as though his wife is aware to some extent of what he's doing, and is trying to ignore it, for reasons of her own. Maybe she's scared of him, maybe she's just trying not to rock the boat, doesn't realise the full import of what he's doing, or is worried about the effect it may have on her marriage if she does confront him on this - who knows? I'm no psychologist, although I could conceive of several distinctly unpleasant scenarios arising from this, but I think you at the very least need to have an informal discussion about the situation with the police - I can't think of anyone else who might be helpful - and see what they advise. You say you've said nothing, but I'd also be inclined to ask your next-door neighbours fairly straight out whether they're aware of previous occupants having problems with this man. And I presume from what you've said that the problem was totally non-existent when Sean was occupying the room, rather than that he simply hadn't noticed, but I think you need to clarify that, too.

Celebrate the festive season with English National Ballet’s magical production of Nutcracker in the splendour of the London Coliseum. With 33% off tickets in the dress and upper circle for weekday performances after Christmas*– now is the time to book! Over 100 dancers and musicians bring this classic ballet to life, with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live by the Orchestra of English National Ballet. Expect enchanted toys, sparkling snowflakes and mischievous mice in this perfect ballet for all the family. To book, simply enter the promo code OLT when prompted online, or call 020 7845 9300 and quote ‘Official London Theatre’ offer. *Offer valid for any weekday performance (Monday-Friday) from 26 December onwards. Not valid for Saturday or Sunday shows. Offer valid until Sunday 14 December midnight only, on dress and upper circle tickets (normally £29, £39, £45, £59, £69 and £79). Not available retrospectively or in conjunction with any other offer. Transaction fee applies: £1.75 online, £3.50 on the phone, no fee in person. Subject to availability.

Sounds gorgeous I may have to buy a second ticket.

I haven't heard (no pun intended) of Casey Herd: who is he? Yes, disappointing that there are obviously so many injuries. I thought that ENB used to have rather a good record on injuries.

I don't think it's that new, John - I certainly remember seeing the Concert Master or whatever they were calling him at the time credited on cast sheets years ago, and I don't think it was always in cases where he'd had a major solo or anything.

So, Dave, was this supposed to be the first cast? (I'm assuming because of the presence of Yanowsky). If that's the case, does it mean that Ed Watson's not back from his foot op yet?

Just spotted that Center Stage is on Movie Mix this coming Wednesday, 10th December, at 11.40 pm-2 am. It features Ethan Stiefel and a lot of ballet, if I recall correctly. Movie Mix is channel 32 on Freeview.

You're sure it was a wasp? I had a very nasty bite on *my* ankle over the summer sometime, and I still don't know what caused it, but it took a lot of antihistamines to get it down to more manageable proportions. Anyway, back to the matter at hand, and thank you for posting your reactions, Lin.

Stunning photos. Everything looks really sharp against that deep blue background.

Please stop. I'm feeling the need for a "Vomit" button in addition to the "Like" button!

I was wondering if the baby had arrived yet. Congratulations to the proud parents. Edit: Thanks to JohnM, who'd posted this link elsewhere: https://twitter.com/_stevenmcrae/status/540816742030016512

Thanks, Joan. Yes! Winter's Tale, as hoped. I'm not sure about Cuban Night, though - does anyone know precisely what it was? Did they record Carlos' show at the ROH this summer, or is it something else? The Christmas RT is out on Saturday, so I guess anything scheduled will be set in stone already. And I'd love the chance to see most of those Sky performances on terrestrial TV Not to mention the Ashton bill from a year or two back, which I always assumed would make it onto the BBC at some stage.

Well done, Sheila - I'd completely forgotten that! And welcome to the forum, esamuel08!

Wow, the cover of Dance Magazine! I never thought I'd see the day.

... *have* seen it again, I think. My grammar brain has obviously switched off for the night.

Yep, I was afraid it was only going to be Picturehouses again. Pity. I'd've liked to see it again