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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,
Sarah Frater's rating
Reader rating
Dir: Wayne Eagling.
Cast: English National Ballet
Description: A magical production of the perennial festive favourite. Choreographed by Christopher Hampson, music by Tchaikovsky.
Trains: Tube: Leicester Square/Charing Cross 
, Tube / Bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139 
Phone: 0871911 0200
Website: www.eno.org
Email: access@eno.org
A touch of frost: a giant fridge as a backdrop is one of Gerald Scarfe's wacky designs for ENB's Nutcracker
One of the few things that rescue this production of The Nutcracker is Thomas Edur and Agnes Oaks. The elegant pair are pure classical dancers and when they walk on stage you can hear the relief that calm and order has returned. Edur is the Prince and Oaks the Sugar Plum Fairy, and their gracious manners and perfect dancing are gorgeous to watch. There are few dancers who can match them. Even their naff costumes can't disguise their artistry.
How you wish you could see them in something other than this Nutcracker, from which the novelty has most definitely worn off. It was new in 2002, and back then there was a lurid allure in Gerald Scarfe's wacky designs and his madcap family of smiling eccentrics. There is doddery grandpa with his Zimmer frame, a buxom Ms V. Aggra, and a timid maid who is transformed into a vamp. Scarfe is best know for illustrating the notorious Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and you half thought it an intentionally subversive lark that ENB had let him loose on a ballet.
Five years on it looks dated and try-hard, added to which both the sets are showing signs of wear and tear. Without their original neon-bright newness, the thin choreography is dangerously exposed. This is the work of the able British dance-maker Christopher Hampson, who you suspect must regret having got involved. Tail wagging the dog is the phrase that comes to mind.
Many of the cast looked bored, so it is good news that director Wayne Eagling is bringing Kenneth MacMillan's Manon into ENB's repertory for the first time next year. Eagling danced in Manon during his days at the Royal Ballet, and for ENB to perform this modern classic will work wonders for morale. They look as if they need it.
• Until 6 January. Swan Lake 9-19 January. Information: 0870 145 0200, www.ballet.org.uk
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
