AnneMarriott

Much thanks for the final link. A great laugh - it reminded me in parts of Monty Python's fish-slapping dance.

John, I'm sure they must release these gold-dust tickets in little batches over time. Once I had been relieved of some tickets I booked in error and could then book some extra Nutcrackers, I found SCS for several dates - and this two and a half weeks after Ordinary Friends advance booking. I think the secret is to keep looking in on the off-chance ...

As a late postscript: the box office have very kindly cancelled my superfluous tickets and arranged a refund. It's had two benefits - freeing up some SCS tickets for others and allowing me to grab a couple of additional ones which I couldn't before because I had reached my maximum allocation. Grateful thanks to the lovely box office who are always so helpful.

Henry James's The Golden Bowl - I gave up shamefully early. War and Peace - made it almost to the end but then my Kindle rudely failed to deliver the last few chapters! Then in non-fiction there's "The Mind of a Dog" bought for me as a kindly-meant present. I struggled valiantly but when the author (whose name escapes me) started using Jungian terminology I threw the book at the wall ...

Thanks for that, Dave. I'm really looking forward to seeing Stix-Brunell & co even though as a ballet it doesn't hit the spot for me at all!

Linda, who danced the four kings last night? We have tickets for next Wednesday, same cast, but don't know who the kings will be. I do wish the ROH would announce more than just the lead dancers! Thanks Anne

Blast - it's probably on the Isle of Wight.

Well it's obviously taking the scenic route - no sign yet ...

Yes - I think it was the entire ballet and opera rep ...

My shopping basket indicated 0 purchases during the entire booking session. When I clicked on it my selected tickets were actually there but I got the turning circle experience and was afraid of running out of time. In the ensuing panic I managed to buy three superfluous tickets for the same cast in Swan Lake, all SCS, so humble apologies to anyone I may have deprived - keep an eye on the ticket trade forum nearer the time. Otherwise it was refreshing not to have to queue for ages only to find no SCS left - although Viscera and Concerto mixed bills were distinctly lacking online. Some luck on the telephone but after eventually getting through to be regaled with the message "you are no. 39 in the queue" was a little dispiriting. - and like the old online waiting room it did seem to take for ever ...

I'm completely with Sim on this - never "got" M & A until I saw Tamara in it. Before that I found it overwrought and (sorry folks) a trifle ridiculous whoever was dancing. But then I never saw Fonteyn and Nureyev live either and, whether it's the relatively poor technology of the time or whether you actually had to have them present in the flesh to appreciate the artistry, films and videos of them failed to ignite any enthusiasm...

Many thanks - I'll be listening out ...

Can you shoo one over the border to us please? We haven't had any for several years.

Total absence of cuckoos in our part of Berkshire too, sadly.