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An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
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I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Sarah Frater's rating
Reader rating
Description: The second programme of performances from the Mariinsky Ballet, showcasing the talent of choreographer George Balanchine and two of his most famous works, Apollo and The Prodigal Son.
Trains: Tube: Angel 
Phone: 0844412 4300
Website: www.sadlerswells.com
Balanchine act: Olesya Novikova and Vladimir Shklyarov in Pas de Deux
“Isn’t she beautiful,” whispered the little girl behind me as Olesya Novikova pirouetted. No critic could put it better, for Novikova is lovely, a small, neat dancer with both physical intelligence and youthful brio. With Vladimir Shklyarov, Novikova spun through the gossamer gallantry that is Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, not long after she charmed as Polyhymnia in his Apollo.
This features one of the loveliest moments in classical dance, when the young God raises his arms into the shape of Terpsichore’ s lyre. It is a gracious acknowledgement of her inspiration and his gratitude.
One-time Mariinsky dancer Igor Zelensky has wowed us as Apollo from London to New York and St Petersburg but he looked tired and sore-footed last night. There was also a stiffness to his hips and some decided scrappiness in the penultimate fast section.
Not so Ekaterina Osmolkina, whose Terpsichore was elegance and grace. Her namesake Ekaterina Kondaurova gave a gamier performance as the Siren in Prodigal Son in which Balanchine tracks the Biblical story. Some sections, such as the carousing munchkins, look awkward to our eyes but the central duet with the Siren is as potent as ever, something maestro Gergiev encouraged with robust conducting.
Next to these Balachine classics, all else was bound to pale. That befell Alexei Ratmansky, an able dance-maker, whose Middle Duet couldn’t compete with the great choreographer.
Tonight only (0844 412 4300).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
