jmhopton

I much prefer the earlier Northern Ballet version from 1990. I seem to remember the set from the second act seeming to step straight out of a Romantic painting; very Casper David Friedrich and so atmospheric. I remember it especially as I saw the Kirov ballet (as they were then) perform it in Manchester a few months later. It was the first time I saw the Kirov and I thought Northern Ballets production was far better.

Unfortunately too late for next season with the new season being revealed so soon. However, if there is no triple to offset Cinderella may consider suggesting it for the following season (along with my plea for Vadim to have some matinées!) Not that I'm sure Kevin is interested in my opinions but it makes me think at least I've tried.

I used to love it when RB staged a Christmas triple to give a choice to ballet viewers who may not always want to see a family ballet at Christmas or who would be willing to pay for both (it is Christmas after all!) By Christmas triple I don't specifically mean Christmas or winter themed ballets but just an alternative to countless Nutcrackers or other similar ballets such as Coppelia or Cinderella. Of course these ballets are needed to draw in the crowds and introduce children to the wonder of ballet but another more diverse programme would be welcome. I seem to remember in 2018/19 there was one with Patineurs, Winter dreams and The Concert (I think) which I really enjoyed. Something on those lines this Christmas I'd really enjoy, especially Patineurs which is one of my favourite Ashton ballets and seems ages since it's been staged. Possibly that and The Concert with Enigma Variations or Symphony in C would be a lovely uplifting Christmas treat for me at least, though I'm sure other people have different ideas.

Yes, will especially miss James in the Ashton. He is a wonderful Ashton dancer and my favourite ever version of Rhapsody was him and Francesca which should definitely have been filmed. Wishing both James and Ryio a good recovery over the summer and hope to see them in action on the ROH stage next season.

Yes, I received mine and specified how important both casting and seat prices were to my decision as to which/how many performances I would attend.

Fingers crossed for pre-Christmas then (if it happens). I don't see why doing Romeo would preclude Onegin being performed, especially if they're spaced out. Yes, they are both dramatic ballets, but all MacMillan's ballets are dramatic and as they seem to be performed every year on a rolling programme, Onegin would have to be performed when one of them is being staged. The last time Onegin was staged in Jan 2020 was when Manon opened the season in 2019 so it would be great if Onegin was performed pre-Christmas and Romeo the following March. That would be my fantasy scheduling. Great to have it early in the season as well before injuries start taking their inevitable toll, playing havoc with casting (and the poor dancers), and hotel and train bookings.

I suppose Onegin could be before Christmas (they need something a bit 'meaty' and dramatic to offset Alice and Cinderella) or might possibly be just after Christmas. I'm hoping for before Christmas as I always worry about post Christmas performances not selling well, especially for a ballet not so well known. Also, coming from a distance, I always worry about public transport being affected by the weather (just one more excuse in the Avanti repertoire of excuses).

If you don't have any joy on the ROH ordinary website for returns there is always Friday Rush, or the Forum sales or returns. I'd recommend Vadim/Fumi but I am a touch biased!

Unfortunately Myrtle, I don't think any performances of Choe were filmed of her either in Rhapsody or Fille. I'm don't think she's been filmed in any major roles (certainly not these) since the cinema broadcast started and so far they seem to be the major source of ballet streaming materials. There may be earlier recordings I'm not aware of that may find their way onto the stream but I suspect it's a long shot as any non current casts would have to have a certain audience pulling power, such as Bussell, Fonteyn or Dowell and Sibley and I don't think Choe is widely known outside ballet loving circles. I hope I'm wrong for your sake. I suspect you're right about Fille. Even the few BRB performances at Sadlers Wells might deter Kevin so let's hope for better things in 2025/6. At least we know because of the Ashton celebrations, there will be some Ashton next year which is certainly not usually predictable.

Well I had my Ashton query reply from Kevin today. Very prompt. Only a week since I emailed. Apparently none of the Ashton is being streamed 'for various reasons'; the only explanation given. I'm not surprised as I thought it would have been announced by now if there were streaming plans and the seating plans would be marked for filming but still a bit of a blow that so many potential great programmes and performances aren't being recorded. We'll just have to hope for next season. I've my fingers crossed for Sylvia which hasn't been filmed since Darcey Bussell, as it unaccountably wasn't filmed at its last outing 2017?18? Vadim and Marianela were fabulous then so fingers crossed though I'm sure Fumi would be great too. Doesn't look like RB are staging Fille next season though I may be wrong. Kevin said 'I have always had plans to bring Fille back into the repertoire but meanwhile it will be nice to see BRB perform it next season'. To me, that reads like RB aren't doing it next season but sometime after that (hopefully following season). Actually, this possibly suits me as if the rumours are right about Onegin returning next season I don't think I can afford my 2 favourite ballets in one season and all the new casts I want to see. Obviously nothing set in stone until the announcement at the end of the month so we'll have to wait and see. Anyway, many thanks to Kevin for replying so promptly.

Yes, though I like Rhapsody we have seen rather a lot of it lately. If we have to have 2 ballets the same I would choose Les Patineurs which is one of my favourite short Ashton ballets and which hasn't been seen since pre-lockdown.

I thought you could just subscribe for a month for the streaming and didn't havevto take out an annual subscription. I'm sure I've done that in the past. Isn't it £7.99 for Friends and £9.99 for non-friends. Incidentally whenever I email Kevin (not very often, 2 or 3 times a year ar most as I don't want to be a nuisance, and only when I feel strongly about something), I always praise the work he's doing and the splendid company he runs as I don't want to be seen to be negative and only getting in touch to complain. The Ashton festival is a great initiative as was inviting Sarasota so I mention these things.

I wouldn't lay any great claim to diplomacy which is probably why I don't always get a reply! Though in farness Kevin usually does reply... eventually. I know it's too late to do anything about the wig at this late stage. Perhaps as soon as it's announced next time may have greater effect, but I would love to see some of the performances streamed. I thought that's what the streaming service was all about. Not just for older established works but for new ventures that people would love to see again and probably won't be released as dvds. I feel especially strongly as 2 Macmillan works are being filmed for cinema but nothing for the launch of a 5 year Ashton celebration. I know there are problems with rights for Ashton works that you don't have with Macmillan because of the scattered ownership. However, during lockdown, Sarasota ballet streamed many Ashton works seemingly without any problems so why can't RB do the same?

Takada was certainly blond in the film with Steven. I have just emailed Kevin thanking him for his efforts in promoting Ashton with this splendid celebration but also asking for the blond wig to be ditched, and if any of the performances could be filmed for streaming as they're not being filmed for cinema. I've no great hope of getting a positive answer to either but thought at least I've asked.

Yes, I noticed that and very annoying it is as at the moment I'm not scheduled to see Vadim in Les Rendezvous as he's not doing it in any of the obvious dates like that weekend, and just hope I see him in the rehearsal.