So, the ballet was a beautiful and classic production of this iconic ballet - just visually gorgeous and musically brilliant. A highlight was the curtain coming up to a scene of the lake covered in foggy smoke - only for the chorus of swans to rise up out of the fog to the "ooohs" and "aaahhhhs" of the audience.
Ballet dancers astound me - the girls look so delicate and waif like, but they clearly have immense strength and muscular control plus flexibility. The boys are more clearly muscular and bulgy (socks down the tights!) but perform amazing leaps with grace and agility...
My own experience of ballet classes was very brief - we all knew I was no Darcy Bussell, but I was good at "naughty toes, good toes" ;-)
Tonight was totally different - a modern take on the Lloyd Webber classic I have seen before in a more traditional setting... This is the 'Stadium Tour' version of Jesus Christ Superstar, with Jesus played by Ben Forster - who won the TV talent show to find Jesus. He was very good, although if I'm being picky (and I am!) his wig was a bit odd...
Tim Minchin plays Judas and he is, quite simply, brilliant in the role. I'd seen the very clever piano /song sketches on the telly, but I had no idea of the power and depth of his voice - shivers down the spine... and as for his anguish as he realises the consequences of that kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane, that was so well done, I don't quite know how to express it. (and that's not like me!)
Mel C as Mary Magdalene was also impressive and even (though it pains me to say it) Chris Moyles as Herod was better than expected...
So, overall a cultural week spent in the company of two lovely friends - I should do this more often!
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