MJW

Its a pretty poor show frankly - the new website has been up and running for some while now and I find it hard to believe it can take that long to update the profiles of the non-principal dancers

I was going to suggest the V&A as well - I've been four times in the past year and only covered around half the galleries! The cafe is excellent as well and not too busy during the week. South Ken is a very nice area and the V&A is a very short wall from the tube station. I would also recommend the Courtauld https://courtauld.ac.uk/ - plus its just a short walk from Covent Garden.

Managed to bag a ticket for next Tuesday (I was trying for Saturday matinee again but the train strike complicated things). Hopefully it will be as fantastic as last week!

This afternoon was my first ever Woolf Works; first a confession in that I am not a fan of McGregor's works but having been so impressed with Qualia as part of the Diamond Celebration last year, I thought I ought to go. Unfortunately I wasn't able to make the general due to illness but am so glad I was able to go this afternoon - An incredibly moving I now, I then with the Calvin Richardson and Joseph Sissens leaving me in tears (good job its dark in the auditorium!). A quite astonishing Becomings - I don't think I'e seen anything quite like that on stage before and finally the beautiful Tuesday. I'm very tempted to try for next Saturday but will have to see how the strike plays out but am soooo glad I saw this. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpqM6Q8IH-_/

(NB: Behind the Telegraph's firewall) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2023/03/10/lynn-seymour-superstar-ballerina-who-embodied-rebellious-flawed/

Very pleased to see the positive reviews thus far of this run of Woolf Works. I’m going to my first performance Saturday lunchtime as my cold has thankfully passed and which caused me to cancel going to the general rehearsal. Very much looking forward to it especially as I haven’t even seen a screened recording before.

https://www.roh.org.uk/news/remembering-lynn-seymour-1939-2023

That's some good news at least - assuming the revised offer is agreed with Network Rail and RMT. The dispute with Aslef is still ongoing I think though? Also the dispute with RMT and the individual train companies.

Just in case anyone needs it - the link to tonight's Cinderella insight https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alx_d7Tj-mY&t=1344s

Thank you!

Hope everyone enjoys today's matinee; unfortunately due to a heavy cold I'm not able to attend but at least I was able to see Fumi and William at the general in January. Hopefully I will be recovered for Woolf Works next Saturday!

Just had another Friends' survey which I've just completed - We love hearing from our Friends and really value your feedback. Therefore, we have put together what we hope is the most comprehensive membership survey yet, to help us find out what you think about being a Friend and how you use your membership. We recently asked you to take part in another survey and appreciate that two surveys in a few weeks is a big ask. As a thank you for completing this one as well, we are delighted to offer you some exclusive prizes. Winners will be selected at random, so if you would like to enter the draw please supply your email address when prompted. Your survey answers, however, will remain completely anonymous. The prizes are: Two Stalls Circle rehearsal tickets to the 2023/24 Season rehearsal of your choice, followed by a private tour and an afternoon tea. A pair of pointe shoes signed by Marianela Nuñez. Two champagne vouchers for the performance of your choice. Six bundles of Friends’ merchandise and other goodies from our shop.

I’m hoping Anna-Rose as they had a lovely partnership. I have them both performing in SB as my phone’s wallpaper!

Will you be booking to see James in SB in May? I’m booked for the 11th

Given that would make him about the same as me, I would say that would be the perfect height! James is certainly similar in height to Alexander Campbell and Marcelino Sambe.

Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to attend the general rehearsal tomorrow. The above ticket is available if anyone wants it. Please DM me (I will be at work so my reply may be delayed). I don't require payment but if you want to give a donation to ROH in lieu of, please do. Matthew

Hope you enjoy the Saturday matinee - I am going as well and was lucky enough to see Fumi and William B in the general rehearsal in January.

From DancersDiary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6_o0qpNS8M

Perhaps the suggestion is that queer bodies are different in some way (not in a strict anatomical sense obviously!)

I presume its reference to dancers who are gay (or bi etc) and whether there needs to be more reference to sexuality on stage.

This looks really interesting - hopefully it might be filmed or shown again (its being premiered today) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpFoeLTIHjL/

I'd certainly recommend going to see this if you can before it finishes (26th Feb). Have been meaning to go for ages and went to today before it was too late - some beautiful pieces of work. https://www.rct.uk/visit/the-queens-gallery-buckingham-palace https://www.instagram.com/p/CpDl2tgI6ou/

A lovely rehearsal with Anthony Dowell and William Bracewell by the Ashton Foundation from Daphnis and Chloe http://YouTube.com/watch?v=vW8TQsrnAUk

Yet more strikes announced - BBC News - "Members of the RMT union from 14 train operators will strike on 16, 18 and 30 March, and 1 April, the start of the Easter school holidays for many."

James Hay is an excellent Mercutio in it.