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New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Theatre
A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
Restaurants
Kitchen W8 is a bargain for this area, if such sophistication is what you crave
Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
This is a peculiar play and does not work for me. Some of it is very funny but there are real flaws
Alex has a strong powerful voice and was faultless, she is far better now than she was on the X-Factor
London,
Fiona Maddocks's rating
Reader rating
Description: LSO concert performance of Berlioz's opera.
Berlioz's Benveuto Cellini, about the boastful Florentine sculptor, tackles the business of making art, here a bronze statue for the Pope. This curious hybrid work, bursting with melody and vivid detail, came to zestful life in a concert performance by the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Sir Colin Davis. A late shuffle of cast meant the soloists, not yet at ease, did not always match up to the LSO's superb forces.
In the taxing title role, Gregory Kunde had roguish charm but sounded exhausted by the end. Laura Claycomb, as Teresa, began shakily though her duet with Isabelle Cals (Ascanio) was a highlight. Berlioz, using every gorgeous orchestral colour at his disposal, turns music into highrisk adventure. Hearing this gargantuan score is like riding a gilded, stately carriage down a ski-slope. It may be insane but, as here, when it works it's thrilling.
•Benvenuto Cellini repeated Friday, 7pm. Barbican information: 0845 120 7500.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
