Rachel H

I tagged the ROH when I mentioned it from my own Twitter feed. I didn't get a reply, but wouldn't necessarily expect one in that context. It'd be interesting to see if they were to implement any suggestion (I say in hope more than anything else).

I'm genuinely curious to see this, although I think I saw Martin Yates is having a hand with some of the music. No comment, given what I think of his adaptations for 'Manon,' ,Don Q,' and 'Carmen'.............😐

I prefer to sit on the left for 'Coppelia,' as you get the better view of Coppelius' balcony in he first act. IMHO.

When I asked about a cast change slip on Saturday, the reply was 'oh, just take a quick photo.' I replied, 'not everyone has a smartphone!' I hope I didn't sound too harsh, and I would say at least some feedback has been taken on board by the ROH, as they did make an announcement before curtain up, but it would be nice to be able to have a sheet to read at leisure. Perhaps they could place the paper a little higher up, so any changes are easier to see, and make a note of. The programme desk can get very congested, it seems to me, as people are hurriedly trying to take any cast changes on board. Placing the note a little higher might avoid some of this congestion. Just a thought 🙂

I saw the company dancing 'Jewels' in Berlin about 2 1/2 years ago, but saw Iana Salenko in 'Rubies.' It was interesting comparison, as the Royal was performing 'Jewels' at the same time in London. I got the feeling the Berlin company was still 'finding it's way' with 'Jewels' at the time, but thought they looked at their best in 'Diamonds.' Great photos too!

David Drew and Derek Rencher's names occurred to me too as having made that transition.

I'd be very happy if they reverted back to the Leighton Lucas orchestrations. I don't know why the cello solo in the final act is there, as for me, it kills the mood, and breaks the tension of the piece at that point (however well played it is). If I like the music, it goes a long way with me. I'm not a fan of the new lighting either. That said I think the dancers have given fantastic performances 🙂 Seen 3, with 1 to go.

Makes me think of a wonderful quote I heard once, which was 'Mr Pavarotti does not do steps.' 🙂

I've experienced this with the opera a couple of times recently. For the current production of 'Lucia di Lammermoor,' the front cloth was so low down, that the chorus in particular were headless for much of the time. I don't expect to see all of the action where I sit by any means, but can't say I enjoy looking at headless singers! This also happened with 'Lessons in Love and Violence.' Simple solution - raise the front cloth by 5 - 10 ft, and VOILA!!!!! No headless singers. It looked like the productions had been designed with viewing from the stalls, Stalls Circle and Grand Tier viewing in mind only. Ditto 'Billy Budd,' where Jaques Imbrallio was completely invisible during his main aria! This could have been solved if they'd brought him forward by a couple of foot. If someone from the production teams had thought to go round to all parts of the house in the rehearsal process these things could have been picked up on.

I must admit, I've taken to referring the 'left' and 'right' sides at the ROH 'bar side' and 'far side.' Delighted to hear they are now stocking the magazines again. I must remember to go and investigate.

I'd go for front of the Upper (2nd) Circle rather than back of the 1st Circle, as the overhang from the Upper Circle might affect the sound. The rake is good too. IMHO of course 🙂

Thank you 🙂

Non members can indeed 'just turn up.' Hope you, and any others (members, and non members) are able to come along.

Oh no!! Very sad news. Condolences to his family. I will always remember him very fondly.