Last night I was the guest of Laura from Eyes on Stage to watch Birmingham Royal Ballet perform Don Quixote at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.
I love watching ballet. I've been lucky enough to see Birmingham Royal Ballet several times before in the course of my arts marketing career, and I was keen to witness the dynamic that new BRB Director Carlos Acosta would bring.
Don Quixote provides exactly what it says in the brochure copy - "an explosion of Spanish sunshine, spectacular dance and vivacious comedy".
I found the whole three-act performance utterly charming and delightful - in fact I couldn't keep myself from smiling the whole way through! Everything about this production was spot on for me, from the impressive set design to the beautiful, Spanish-inspired costumes. There was an impressive (and extensive!) live orchestra (the Royal Ballet Sinfonia) and, of course, some sublime dancers who portrayed the travels of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza and the love story between Kitri and Basilio with such character and joy.
I couldn't remember the story of Don Quixote too well, but I found that really didn't matter as the choreography did what all good choreography should - it told the story and took us on an adventure with the characters.
At times the production was a riot of colour, flamenco vibes and Spanish passion, at others it was dripping with soft, glittering golden hues and encapsulated all the beauty of classical ballet. I won't add any spoilers here, but watch out for the scene with the hanging vines - it's truly breathtaking and magical. Other lovely touches included the story's famous windmill appearing to Don Quixote as a monster with flailing arms, and the wonderful horse that the eponymous hero rides upon. It was all incredibly creative and this made for a really endearing production.
In some scenes towards the end there were so many dancers on stage, all moving in unison that it was almost a little like something out of musical theatre or Bollywood - but this was fleeting and not at all incongruous. It felt like a thrilling little injection of passion that made your pulse rate quicken with excitement!
If I had a copy of the programme to refer to I'd give a name check to the wonderful young dancers playing Kitri and Basilio, who were simply fantastic. I believed every moment of their charming love story.
This would be a wonderful ballet to take children to as it is full of so much colour and joy and happiness. Similarly, if you've never seen ballet or aren't sure if it's for you, this is the perfect introduction. Carlos Acosta has put together a visually stunning and completely delightful production that will leave you on a deleriously happy high. BRB is clearly in very safe hands under his direction.
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