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ENB's national tour of Manon started in Manchester (Opera House) this evening. I attended opening night where Alina Cojocaru (lead principal at ENB since 2013) and Joseph Caley (lead principal since 2017) danced the leads. Both noted as debuts in the roles with ENB on the cast sheet. I cannot find the words to say how good it was. To roll out the cliches - it was simply out of this world, and it was a privilege to be there. The rapturous response of the audience indicated that most people there agreed with me. I speak as someone who hasn't always loved neo-classical ballets or MacMillan (my first experience being Romeo and Juliet with Birmingham Royal Ballet a couple of years ago). It was my first Manon (I've only clips of that final scene on YouTube). I am asking myself since leaving the theatre - why was it so good? Was it Cojocaru and Caley? was it MacMillan? was it Massenet? It was one of those nights where one is transported, convinced to the level beyond admiration. Every scene with Cojocaru or Caley in it had that extra authentic intensity that made me fascinated, entranced. I got the tingles alright - and the tears! Naive fool that I am, I couldn't imagine Cojocaru as Manon, having lapped up her crystalline classical Petipa performances with ENB. But how seductive, how womanly, how human she was as Manon on her journey through this tragedy. How could I doubt this complete artist? Similarly Caley's embodiment of Des Grieux matched Cojocaru's genuine portrayal, and I found myself so touched by his performance. What a partnership. The last (and only) time I saw them dance before was in that half-empty Coliseum on June matinee this year where they filled the theatre with their brilliance in Sleeping Beauty, that several forum members praised. I was completely unprepared to be so blown away by them again in this 20th century ballet. It's very late now, so regrettably I must omit to mention the many other aspects of this which made tonight complete theatrical magic, and a memory to treasure. Thrilled to have discovered this masterpiece, and so grateful to ENB for bringing it to a theatre near my home. It was staged at Manchester's smaller venue the Opera House (compared to the Palace theatre) but I was in the Circle which was quite full, the balcony was not full but the cheers when the curtain came down made it sound like a full house. Look forward to hearing others' thoughts on this run.

Hello, Due to a friend no longer being able to attend I have an extra ticket for English National Ballet's Manon (Cast: Dronina/Hernandez) on Saturday 19th January 2019. The ticket is row A-12 Centre Stalls (View may be obstructed by conductor) I paid £57 for the ticket in a multi-buy offer but would be happy to sell it for £35. It is an E-ticket. Please post here and send me a PM if interested. Many thanks!

English National Ballet Manon National Tour 17 October 2018 - 20 January 2019 www.ballet.org.uk/manon Continuing its commitment to UK touring and presenting world-class ballet to the widest possible audience, Autumn 2018 sees English National Ballet present Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon outside of London for only the second time in 30 years. English National Ballet will present Manon in Manchester (17-20 October), Milton Keynes (24-27 October) and Southampton (31 October–03 November) followed by performances at the London Coliseum (16-20 January 2019). English National Ballet, Manon. Dancers: Alina Cojocaru and Isaac Hernández © Jason Bell. Art Direction and Design Charlotte Wilkinson Studio. Famous for its expressive choreography and dramatic challenge, Manon features some of the most demanding and fulfilling roles in ballet. Manon is accompanied by Jules Massenet’s haunting music performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. The young and naïve Manon is torn between two lives: privilege and opulence with the wealthy Monsieur GM, or innocent love with the penniless student Des Grieux. Aristocrats and beggars, courtesans and harlots fill the stage as audiences are taken from a gambling den in 18th-century Paris to a desolate Louisiana swamp in this, one of British ballet’s most dramatic stories. Alongside Manon, English National Ballet also presents Swan Lake as part of its Autumn Tour. Further details can be found at www.ballet.org.uk Notes to Editors Listings information for Manon Manon Manchester Opera House Wednesday 17 October – Saturday 20 October 2018 Box Office: 0844 871 3018 or www.ballet.org.uk/manon Manon Milton Keynes Theatre Wednesday 24 October – Saturday 27 October 2018 Box Office: 0844 871 7652 or www.ballet.org.uk/manon Manon Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Wednesday 31 October – Saturday 03 November 2018 Box Office: 02380 711811 or www.ballet.org.uk/manon Manon London Coliseum Wednesday 16 January – Sunday 20 January 2019 Box Office: 020 7845 9300 or www.ballet.org.uk/manon

Manon casting is now up on the ROH website. so pleased to see Bonelli and Morera cast together after their sensational Mayerling!

I have a standing ticket, Balcony Right C64 but can’t go. Price £8 or make me an offer, I’d rather it is used than wasted. I’m going on holiday so it isn’t all bad news! I leave on 14th so after 13th it won’t be possible to post it. Graham

1 ticket wanted please for Manon performance on Wednesday 11th April? Anyone selling an affordable seat/standing?

The Osipova/Hallberg production. Ampitheatre Left A42 - amazing view. Limited legroom. As of now the first four rows of the amiphitheatre for this production are SOLD OUT. Selling for £36 (face value) plus £3 for signed postage/paypal fees = £39 in total.

The Friends General rehearsal today was Lamb & Pennefather. I know we don't generally comment on rehearsals but given the slow ticket sales for this run, I want to say that they were terrific and there are plenty of tickets left for the matinee on Saturday at, I believe, discounted prices. Grab a bargain !

I found this article about the life of courtesans in 18th century France quite revealing: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history/2014/04/elite_prostitutes_in_18th_century_paris_and_the_detectives_who_watched_their.single.html