Sim

I agree. Calvin and Joe are both future principals, but not quite yet. A few more big roles, another year of experience.

I thought that Calvin made a truly wonderful debut last night. I will be honest here and say that I wasn't expecting it to be so good simply because he hasn't had much chance to dance many of the lead roles yet. I was a bit concerned about the partnering due to lack of experience, but I needn't have worried. Yes, I could see a bit of shaking at first, but as the night went on his confidence grew and by the end...wow! I loved his interpretation of DG: a young pup who is dragged down into the mire of a corrupt and corrupting world, and doesn't know how to pull himself out. He truly believed that his love for Manon would be enough. He made more clear to me than any of the other DGs did how disgusted and resentful he was to have to cheat at cards, but was resigned to the fact that this seemed the only way to rescue Manon. His gut-wrenching sadness in the Act 2 bracelet pdd showed so clearly his feeling of hopelessness when he realised that love would not in the end be enough for this Manon; she made clear that she was never to be tamed, and that she would always resent giving up her precious jewels for this life with him. But it was too late and they were stuck in their situation. In Act 3, as they descend from the ship, he seemed as drained and ill as Manon. I really liked this; why wouldn’t he be? We forget that DG has also been on a ship for weeks, accompanying a ‘criminal’ and therefore probably not treated too well! Aside from that, his lover is very ill, they have arrived in a strange place, with no money…it is perfectly plausible that he would also be sick. His partnering in that final pdd was very impressive, the double-twists being executed with panache, and his catching her as she went floorwards more risky than some of the more experienced couples. His silent cries as he cradled his dead love spoke volumes to me and pierced my heart. It was almost as if he wished he had died too. During the curtain calls he was crying….and he was not the only one. Melissa Hamilton gave a scintillating performance in the lead role. Here was a minx who knew exactly what she was doing, and what she wanted. From the very beginning we knew who and what she was. She was bedazzled by the coat and the necklace and knew that there was a lot more where that came from. I love so many touches that she gave the character. She was the only Manon (that I have noticed) who, in the bedroom scene with GM and Lescaut, stares at the money pouch GM hands to Lescaut, and realises that she has literally been sold. Her heart then goes cold, and this girl walks over to the bed but only vaguely touches it, before touching her necklace to remind herself what riches lie ahead. So not many regrets for her. She made the bracelet a leitmotif throughout; always checking her wrist, even towards the end. I loved the way, just after GM puts the bracelet on her wrist in Act 2, she teasingly shows him the other one and says ‘look, this one is bare’. When DG manages to have a word with her in the party scene before they are alone, the first thing she does is show him her bracelet. This Manon is strong and independent to the end. She isn’t as weak and sick as some of the other Manons. She stands up straight to approach the gaoler, and gives him a good fight. After she is raped, I noticed her hands claw and scratch the floor, and with her it was as much anger as pain. In the final pdd she is still fighting, realising too late that she has lost everything. The dancing from both leads was wonderful, and I am only sorry that after all that work they only got one show. But they made that show something very special. A shout-out, a very loud one, for James Hay’s Lescaut. Those eyes! I found it very hard to take my own off him. He has so much presence and he took us on his journey in such a way that he played with the emotions; he elicited everything from me: amusement, anger, empathy and pity. It’s so good to have him back. Artistically, last night Calvin went from boy to man. Huge congratulations to him, and to Melissa, for such an unforgettable night.

Yes….the late Queen was not a culture vulture and much preferred the horses than Covent Garden!

I loved it, especially that breathtaking and heartbreaking final pdd. It felt as if he was dying with her.

She did say that...but said friend did NOT miss Fumi and Vadim, and was NOT wowed by Alex and Frankie as said friend had to miss the latter because they were ill. Geddit??!! 😂

I have this ticket for sale. Seat S68, on the aisle. £34. If no takers by Thursday morning it will be returned to the box office. Please DM me if interested. Thanks.

She didn’t miss Vadim and Fumi, and wasn’t wowed by Alex and Frankie because she wasn’t there! 😂

I think you mean Alex and Frankie...!!

Definitely.

I think that was much of the reason for him pimping out his sister in the first place, so that they would both benefit financially. Lescaut is out for himself as much as (if not more than) he is for Manon.

Let’s hope so…his start at the RB has been very sad. Let’s hope he can fulfill his potential from now on. I have really enjoyed watching him and want to see more. Much more.

We are usually by the small set that leads down to the old foyer or up to the Crush Room. Thanks for your kind wishes. X

Cinderella is going to the ball! Thanks to a very kind forum member I now have a ticket for Friday night. I am thrilled. Reading all of the reviews above reiterates my total bafflement as to why RB management decided to pretty much cut Alex out of performances for the past few years. I am at a loss to understand it. Didn't they see his unforgettable Romeo with Yasmine Naghdi? His brilliant and sympathetic portrayal of Benno, usually a role no more than a bland wingman for Siegfried? His wonderful Oberon? I could go Oberon and on....but I don't want to start my Sunday with anger.

Lovely photo, @bangorballetboy

@Jamesrhblack @Fonty @Beaker and anyone else wanting to say hello tonight....sadly I have had to sell my ticket for this evening's show, but the 'gang' usually sits by the small set of stairs that go down to the old part of the House. I do hope if you are all there on either Tuesday or Thursday I can catch you then instead. But do say hello to whoever is there tonight...we are a friendly bunch!! Oh, and enjoy. Gutted I can't be there as I don't have tickets for the 8th. Can't wait to hear about it. At least I saw Hayward at the beginning of the run, and she was magnificent.

Indeed. The emotion on their faces in the first one says it all.

Thanks Bridie. I look forward to reading everyone's reviews....and that will make it hurt even more, no doubt!! 😱

On the other hand, even if one has never sat in the stalls before, maybe a 40% discount might entice them to do so!

I certainly agree about Bussell, less so about Yoshida.

Ticket now spoken for.

I am so bummed out because for the first time ever I have done my back in and won't be able to make it for tonight's show. Even more bummed out because I don't have a ticket for the 8th. Anyway, very last minute but if anyone would like this ticket please send me a DM. £14. Thanks. Sim

I have tickets for the 28th and whilst I am sorry not to be seeing Lauren (especially after her tour de force as Manon) I am thrilled that she is being replaced by Fumi so that I can unexpectedly see this wonderful partnership again this season.

Yes, those good old days, when you had to fill in that tiny form, write out a cheque (remember those?!) and provide a stamped addressed envelope for return of tickets. When you could still rely on the mail. As you say, Mary, the excitement of opening your returned envelope was so much fun. I always used to add a little note requesting certain seats, and almost always got what I asked for.

I believe that anyone who uses the ROH aside from the 'home' companies has to pay to rent it. There might be the odd exception, but I don't think the Opera House has the financial luxury of being able to support visiting companies (staff, insurance, electricity and everything else involved).

Yes, it's usually the case that Manon takes off her bracelet and throws it at the Gaoler or onto the floor right next to him. She is so disgusted she would never want to keep it. In the heat of the moment Lauren probably forgot to take it off!