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Theatre

London,

Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo: Mixed Programme (Swan Lake - Act II/Mystery Pas De Deux/Pas De Quatre/The Dying Swan/Paquita)

Description: The company of 15 male dancers combines a loving knowledge of classical ballet with a sense of comedy.



Rating: 3 out of 5 Sarah Frater's rating
Rating: 3 out of 5

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Cast: Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo

Peacock Theatre Portugal Street, WC2A 2HT

Phone: 0844412 4322

Website: www.sadlerswells.com

Email: ticket.office@sadlerswells.com

Extra info: Food, Pub

Transport: Tube: Holborn/Temple Transport for London , Tube / Bus: 1, 8, 19, 22B, 25, 38, 68, 91, 168, 171, 188, 501, 505, 521, X68 Transport for London

Hairy chests, tutus and superb spoofs

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
The Trocks are hairy chested blokes who don tutus and tiaras, and dance excerpts from ballet's classics

By Sarah Frater
20 Sep 2006


Back by popular demand is the only way of describing Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.

Affectionately known as the Trocks, the all-male spoof troupe filled the Peacock Theatre last March, and just six months later they're back for another sell-out run.

In case you haven't heard, the Trocks are hairy chested blokes who don tutus and tiaras, and dance excerpts from ballet's classics.

Only instead of galumphing about, they're almost as good, and much more committed than many traditional troupes.

They also slyly reveal ballet's absurdities, not least that ballerinas were never fainting flowers, but ambitious little toughies with an eye for rank.

However, the Trocks are spoof, not satire, so all is done with loving enthusiasm. In last night's opener, we laughed out loud at Go for Barocco, a brilliant take on Balanchine's choreography, while Chase Johnsey and Fernando Medina Gallego get extra points for their infecious panache in The Flames of Paris. And whoever thought of Joseph Jefferies' stage name ( Minnie van Driver) deserves a knighthood.

The only small criticism is that the Trocks could, perhaps, broaden their rep. What wouldn't you give to see their subversive magic on MacMillan's Romeo, or Ashton's Fille?

Prog 1: until 23 Sept. Prog 2: 26-30 Sept (0870 737 0337).

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.

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I have seen them before and they are hilarious. This is not to take away their skills as ballet dancers - they are big beefy men (well some of them) but extraordinarily light on their feet and it would make a great introduction to a husband/partner who's reluctant to accompany you to the ballet.

- Michele Crane, Barnet, UK, 26/09/2006 16:27
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