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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,
Barry Millington's rating
Reader rating
Description: The orchestra under James MacMillan perform his Vigil Symphony, Britten's Four Sea Interludes From Peter Grimes and Prokofiev's Romeo And Juliet Suite.
Off-key: The National Youth Orchestra were being stretched interpretatively
The multi-million refurbishment of the Roundhouse has as yet done shamefully little for classical music. Seizing a golden opportunity, the National Youth Orchestra, under its incoming director, Sarah Alexander, became the first symphony orchestra to take advantage of the recreated space, pursuing its mission to bring classical music to new audiences.
The goal may be admirable but there were problems. At least from the circle level, it proved difficult to hear detail clearly or to get a grip on the sounds from the stage. Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet should have been far more spiky and rhythmically pungent.
Much of the fault may have been conductor James MacMillan's. While the programme (which also included Britten's Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes and MacMillan's own Vigil Symphony) was challenging, one never felt these talented young players were being stretched interpretatively or encouraged to dig deep.
The MacMillan symphony was dispiriting, as were his own introductions to each piece, scripted and dully delivered.
Alexander has a persuasive vision for the role of the NYO in the 21st century but needs to look carefully at questions of venue and conductor.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
