MJW

To whet your appetite (showing both Matthew Ball (who I am seeing next week) and Vadim Muntagirov) in rehearsal for Apollo) https://www.flickr.com/photos/royaloperahouse/albums/72157719329186801 Incidentally I saw Matthew Ball in class on the main stage on Wednesday - very impressive - as indeed it must be said were all the dancers. Class was taken by Sian Murphy who was lovely and very amusing.

From the ROH's Flickr (not as good as Rob S's !) https://www.flickr.com/photos/royaloperahouse/albums/72157719274930622

I was in the Balcony for Wednesday's performance and a couple were asked to put their masks on (in his case it looked like his scarf) but by the interval they had taken them off again! Everyone else seemed masked-up from what I could see.

As you say, a rather downbeat review. Interestingly Rupert Christansen (the Telegraph's former Opera critic) reviewed the ENB yesterday, and I though that perhaps Monahan had moved on - perhaps to open a restaurant or cafe as he seems more interested in food and drink!

I had similar problems watching it - certainly at a higher resolution. I wish it had been broadcast on YouTube rather than the ROH's streaming service - particularly as it is free !

I have to agree - it seems a fairly half-hearted response to the issue.

Just received this - It was lovely to speak to so many of you last week and to hear how excited so many of you are to return to Covent Garden. We know that some of you were disappointed when you were unable to find a single ticket for your chosen performance(s). Although we had increased the number of single seats on sale (from November’s socially distanced seating plan), the demand far outstripped supply. We would like to reassure you that we have taken this feedback on board and have looked at how we can better manage the single ticket approach and how we can increase this allocation. We are therefore pleased to let you know that for the Spring/Summer 2021 programme we will be introducing Friday Singles. Every Friday at 1pm a strictly limited number of single seats will be released for each performance the following week. This new approach will start tomorrow, Friday 14 May, for performances during the week of Monday 17 May – Sunday 23 May inclusive and then every Friday at 1pm for the following Monday-Sunday until the end of the Spring/Summer programme. These tickets can only be booked by telephone through the Box Office on +44(0)20 7304 4000. They will not be available online or through the ROH Friends’ team. If you would like to take advantage of Friday singles then please telephone the Box Office at 1pm, the Friday before the performance(s) you wish to see, on +44(0)20 7304 4000. Tickets are strictly limited. We expect this offer to be very popular and to sell out very quickly. Our re-opening is in line with the latest UK Government guidance and we will continue to review and follow Government advice. You can now attend a performance in groups of up to six people or two households. You must practise physical distancing from other groups at all times. Seven of our main stage performances will also be available on ROHStream across the programme. We would like to thank all Friends and supporters for their patience in recent months, and we look forward to welcoming you all for the 2021/22 Season, our first full season in 18 months. We also look forward to returning to full capacity houses from September once COVID guidance allows.

I did the same thing! I don't really understand why the old system couldn't have been used and which shows all the seats available to select in a particular part of the auditorium. They could have simply blanked out those seats not available to book. Anyway let's hope normal booking resumes for the autumn!

No but it does tell you if it has a restricted view, or its one of the high stools - and in which case you have to start again to find a better seat!

Yes they are unfortunately. I have managed to get a ticket for each of the three, plus one of the classes on stage but lots of backwards and forwards between the various days to try and fine a decent seat that doesn't have a restricted view or is up in the gods!

https://static.roh.org.uk/visit/pdfs/seating-plans/main-stage-seating-plan-coloured-sections-11-10-18.png?_ga=2.67060907.400661917.1563896314-523354708.1547572190 You might find this of assistance when trying to work out where you will be sitting!

That's well-timed - I'm 'on holiday' that week so might be able to go!

Desperately sad news. A very fine actor taken at such a young age. I think the first time I saw here was in North Square many years ago.

I was very pleased to see that there will be quite a number of performances between May and July; I was a bit worried there would only be a few, which would mean a lot of people would miss out. Between now and early I have got to try and work out which performances to try for and balance that with work commitments etc ! I'm hoping that booking might be a bit easier than it was at the end of last year!

Ashton's Symphonic Variations -

Congratulations to them! It's been very interesting to watch them DIY-ing their new home this year on IG - such a complete contrast to how we would usually see them on stage (as you would expect!).

Booking for Friends+ is 2pm on Weds 5th May. I don't know if booking therefore opens before the Government will confirm whether May 17th openings will go ahead? I seemed to recall reading somewhere that they will only give a week's notice but I may be wrong.

Such a shame. I was listening to her this morning in the comedy No Commitments from which was on years ago on Radio 4, and which I now have on my phone.

I remember listening to the episode with Sir Frederick Ashton during the Christmas/New Year lull at work one afternoon - very amusing and very interesting!

At least we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel (rather a well-worn phrase now so apologies!). Fingers crossed ✌️

Let's hope these plans come to fruition ! ✌️

Yes it was lovely - luckily I was staying overnight in London (back when we were allowed to) so didn't have to rush for the train. Perhaps they will show the Dream and Symphonic Variations too as they were part of the triple bill?

I think its the one filmed performance where I was actually in the audience - it was Zenaida Yanowsky's last performance before her retirement.

I appreciate this isn't necessarily the most exciting topic ever posted (!) but some might be interested to know that the ROH's latest accounts (year to August 2019) are now available (via Companies House): https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/00480523/filing-history/MzI4NzQyODc3NGFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0

Happy Christmas to everyone. I had two gift certificates from the ROH from two friends/colleagues from work - I see they expire in 36 months so (hopefully) plenty of time to put them to good use! Here's hoping for a better 2021! 🤞