RHowarth

Bracewell got some on Friday. Well deserved!

With regards to the seasons' pages, weren't they always JAs? I'm sure Yasmine Naghdi was a JA when she was one, according to the book her mum wrote? Edited to add: or was that MAs? I think Naghdi joined the RBS in year 8 and did Cinderella before that.

I noticed that a couple of months ago when booking my train tickets, and it nearly caught me out. Thankfully I had my wits about me and booked my train home for 7pm. I had meant to email them about it but forgot!

That was at the Coli!

I managed to get G43 and 44 in the amphi. When I checked back 15 minutes later to see if anything else had become available, there were only RV and amphi standing left.

Me please!!

Shang had an exit strategy- she transitioned into a flick jete and it wasn't too noticeable. The fact that she managed that suggests that she hadn't fully lost control of the fouettes. Sorry I missed you, Sheila!

He did do it at BRB, and was wonderful in it.

Yes, and can only echo what others have said. Semionova was exquisite. All the pliany and physique of a Russian-trained dancer but with such warmth. The longest arms, and they're boneless. She occupied the narrative from the moment she stepped onstage. Her Odette was in a kind of dreamlike state, with eyes only for her Siegfried (and what chemistry between her and Lawrence, who fit together like hand and glove) while as Odile she flashed her eyes at her audience onstage and off, reeling us all in. Due to the kindness of a friend I was lucky enough to be in the third row of the stalls with no-one in front of me and a very clear view, and I was so involved in the story that I welled up at the end of act 3 when Lawrence, as Siegfried, realised her deception. Riku Ito as Benno showed that his move from Northern Ballet is paying dividends for him, and the whole company was on top form. There was a real air of excitement; as Semionva danced, the eyes of the corps followed her, and during the standing ovation that met the whole company at the end, I could see from my slighty side-on seat that the wings were packed with dancers. A wonderful evening and well worth the 170 mile (each way!) trip. Now looking forward to this afternoon's matinee.

Thanks Lin. Never mind leaning forward, I tend to be more or less resting my chin on the rail - so it sounds promising.

I'm just under five feet so never have an issue with the overhang or the hanging objects - but anything in front of me is a different matter! I don't like the four on the extreme at either side (1 - 4 and the opposite) but it sounds as if D5 might be ok for me. Thanks Lin and Alison!

Rob - what is the restriction for D5? Is it the pillar?

Thanks Alison. I've actually checked back and I've sat in C36 before and thought it was fine. In my panic I also snapped up D5 in SCS...I know D7 is fine for me but D4 isn't, so I'll have to decide whether to stick with C36 in amphi or D5 in SCS for Bracewell/Kaneko!

I had an awful experience. Once I got to front of queue it took ages for me to be redirected to website. Then, once I put tickets in my basket, it told me I couldn't have them as I'd exceeded my ticket limit - despite the fact it was my first pair for Cinderella. Miraculously I manged to get pairs of SCS for the other 3 dates I wanted - but then it wouldn't let me enter my credit card details and I had to pay by my husband's PayPal as that was the only button it would let me press. All this was against the clock as I had a 2 year old with me who I'd strategically distracted but there are limits! Once I'd had SCS in basket for 3 performances I didn't dare go back for the 4th performance I wanted, so I made a separate booking for that on my phone. I couldn't get SCS and couldn't afford my normal amphitheatre seat (far side of row F - F39) so had to get restricted view. Can anyone advise if the view from C35 and 36 in amphi is OK? I'm now waiting anxiously for my confirmation as I don't trust that my bookings have actually been made even though I've paid!

BRB's website suggests there is a Thursday matinee in Peterborough.

Looking for SCS, preferably 2 but don't need to be together, avoiding 1 - 4 and the equivalent on other side. Fingers crossed!

That's brought back memories. I don't think I've ever seen another Odette/Odile use their eyes the way Benjamin did.

Thanks for the info. I've just booked good stalls tickets for £20 each as part of Opera North's 'Try it ON' scheme, as I've never booked to see Opera North at Leeds Grand before.

You are right, Emeralds- Ferri replaced Bussell. I remember getting a last-minute ticket in the slips!

Was it called Tour de Force?

Cast sheet for tonight. Hope the upload works!

These threads always strike me with panic! Is this for priority booking or have I missed a general booking period? Can someone please let me know what is in this BP? I checked Sleeping Beauty booking dates but there don't seem to be any scheduled for today- unless last week's was postponed due to the national mourning period?

I think the promoter has released quite a lot of £25 seats across all levels. I phoned the box office, got through straight away, and a lovely gentleman swapped my tickets from the front row of the Balcony to the back row of the Royal Circle - no fee.

I was a little worried today about the view from my £25 balcony seats, so had a look at the seating plan - and noticed that there are now £25 seats in two of the lower levels too. I'm sure this wasn't the case when I booked back in the spring - or did I just make a mistake? I've emailed the theatre to ask if I can pay a fee to swap...

I think the content varies. When I went, we were able to glimpse a bit of rehearsals (through the studio windows). It was Monica Mason coaching Itziar Mendizabal as Mrythe. Saw some dancers by the lifts too. The area of the auditorium we went into was the grand tier. There was a stage call going on for - if I recall correctly - Winter's Tale - and Kevin O'Hare and Christopher Wheeldon were in the stalls, although the dancers were on a break. I would definitely go again; you never know who or what you might see!