Blossom

Love the reviews so far. Have been struggling to find a date which works but finally managed to squeeze in Sunday’s matinee with my girls who have never seen the film (horrifying). Can’t wait to share it with them.

Over 36 years (including 2020 and years such as 2019 when no Nutcracker) that averages at just under 14 performances a year so more than likely. Actually seems like a relatively low count - other than 2019, when else has Nutcracker not been performed at Christmas?

This was before the performance started and during act 1!

Graham Watts may well have the right idea. Theatres are only as safe as their patrons make it. Last night in stalls circle, there was a man who effectively refused to cover nose and mouth, preferring to wear his mask on his chin. He was told a number of times by the usher to mask up but still thought he was being clever by whipppng it down to his chin again once the lights went down. Still probably safer than crowded shopping streets but very frustrating.

Last night was a wonderful cast. My husband’s first ever ballet so thrilled that everyone was on top form, especially the assured Sugar Plum/Prince which was just perfection. Kaneko delighted as the Rose fairy, Hinkis is always a graceful but free in her dancing, the super springy Zuchetti was a cracking nutcracker and the whole cast were giving it their all. Glad to see Avis- my favourite Drosslmeyer because of his incredible acting ability- also armed with extra glitter! This is not my favourite ballet and yet I do find myself welling up at the end when Hans-Peter returns to Drosslmeyer. To top it all, some great pics which left husband in charge of as better phone but they are too big to share!

Devastated for the dancers but very grateful to have booked tickets for tomorrow night. I'd originally planned for 16th but was finding it harder to find the seats I wanted.

Starting to wonder how they can possibly allow the Christmas grace period - it's only going to make matters worse than they are now. Agree that to some extent theatres should be given some grace. Can't speak for the Coliseum, but generally feel very safe at the ROH with the majority of people complying properly i.e. mask over mouth AND nose - uncomfortable for all of us especially glasses wearers, but for the greater good. On that note, felt compelled to report a local shop today for complete disregard of mask wearing rules.

Lots of dates available all of a sudden for full price performances if you are looking for a 1 or 2

I have a friend who is in the country for 48 hours with no need to quarantine and therefore will not be around for the proper run of Nutcracker... Unfortunately I am using my Friends tickets to take my daughter tomorrow night (husband next week!) and the ticket limit has not increased, despite availability What a shame these seats won't be taken! Any members who are not planning to go who are able to book/sell on their allocation? Balcony or Stalls Circle tickets preferred, non box.

I sincerely hope this is the case then!

So very pleased with cast for the tickets I have bought (Morera/Bonneli/Avis/O'Sullivan/Hay) but now desperate to know who will be dancing at the rehearsal! Hoping we get a different cast- is there any rhyme or reason as to how they decide this?

If it’s a voluntary redundancy I would assume that a consultation process has been ongoing and the company has been advised it’s on the cards. Hate to think of who this could affect, voluntary or otherwise.

Not sure if any more news to follow, however, sad to hear on Instagram that Elizabeth Harrod has decided to leave the Royal Ballet and more so that it’s with a voluntary redundancy. Sad times.

Can’t wait! Booked for 9 Dec.

My love of ballet was formed while growing up in Manchester. Hadn’t stepped foot in a football stadium til I did a tour of my husband’s team’s stadium (Spurs-quite something but seems to lack the sports science facilities of the ROH) a few weeks ago. Meanwhile he still has never been to a ballet. Obviously he should move up North and I should stay here in London. What will Berry come out with next? The North has no electricity or indoor toilets?

Was glad to receive this earlier although I don't think I will be able to watch it live. Nice to see they are finding ways to add value for Friends.

Me too!

Second Morera in Elite. It's not the same without her in that role! Also feel the same about Hamilton. Still walking on air from last night. Ready to lock down now!

It is really hard to know where to start, this was such a wonderful and special evening. Despite obviously wearing a mask, the first thing I noticed after making it through the efficient bag/temp/ticket was just how good it felt to be back in the building. Heading up the stairs, the Paul Hamlyn Hall and Crush Room were of course empty, and sadly so. The tell tale sign of the times were the one way stickers on the stairs etc. I took my daughter with me tonight as my usual companion firstly wouldn’t have been allowed under current regulations, aside from which she has now emigrated. I can’t think of a more thrilling night to take my daughter to the Opera House than this strange opening-yet-closing-night celebration. The atmosphere was just full of love for the Royal Ballet with keen applause as the start of the performance was announced as well as at the entrance of KOH, supportive applause as he introduced the proceedings and confirmed a live stream next week. I am not going to go through every single performer or performance as all were wonderful and special to see, it was like a chocolate box of treats (but one where you are happy to eat every single filling!) responded to with warmth and rapturous applause by the audience. The outstanding performance of the gala half of the evening had to be Magri/Ball with their Corsaire pdd. Magri excelled with the virtuous elements of her solos, particularly the endless fouettes which were delivered with absolute confidence. Ball wowed with his leaps and turns as you would expect. After seeing on World Ballet Day the challenge that is the Tchaikovsky pdd even for ballet gods, it was wonderful to see the full performance in costume and enjoy the pure joy of dance that both Nunez and Muntagirov deliver. Nunez May have lacked the confidence to make that second leap into a fish dive, but it didn’t matter one bit - and frankly made her just a bit more human! Just the range of talent all on one stage- potentially my last chance to see Edward Watson live on stage, outstanding as always; rising talent Joseph Sissens delighting us with Blessed Spirits; Calvert’s beautiful Dying Swan (keen to know who coached this); Kaneko and Clarke new Marston piece; Hayward and Bracewell’s Swan Lake; Campbell/Takada’s Rhapsody and of course the wonderfully lyrical Laura Morera as Manon in the bedroom pdd with Bonelli, my favourite de Grieux. It was lovely to see dancers lower in the ranks being given opportunities to dance too (Storm Jensen, Debreuil, Donnelly). Anyone missed, it’s just because my head is swimming at past midnight! The Elite finale was just a pleasure and interesting to see close up how they have squeezed in a larger cast to maximise involvement for the company. What a night to be present at and part of, to see all of this amazing talent through the ranks of the Royal Ballet, to hear live music again. Feeling quite spoilt and have shared a thank you donation with the ROH for giving us an extra hour of content! Hoping that it is little over 4 weeks before we will be allowed to head back again into this glorious theatre.

Definitely echo that. Magri/Ball were both incredible. Obviously very much suited Ball, Found Magri to be absolute perfection and wowed by the seemingly endless but perfect fouettés. The atmosphere was wonderful- such love from the audience even before KOH stepped on stage and was a very special evening. More to follow when someone sets up a performance thread. Delighted there will be another live stream. Would love to see some of the other cast members who didn’t appear tonight (O’Sullivan/Sambe Tchaikovsky PLEASE!).

don't wait - I had emailed the box office due to an issue with a confirmation email and they shared the link which is in the top nav - same one as last time round

also up in the balcony for tonight - well done for getting tickets!

Just to say, refunds (or gift certificate) for performances after today have come through very quickly. I requested yesterday and have already had voucher code back. Hoping I will be able to use it this side of Christmas!

Still wouldn't print for me- copy and paste job into a blank powerpoint for most concise output!

The casting, which I assume is for Elite Syncopations, also seems to have changed. Wonder when this will be communicated to ticket holders and when we will know more about who is performing.