'The Vertiginous' reviews 'Por Vos Muero' reviews Bussell in reviews Cojocaru in reviews recent RB reviews

I saw 'Enduring Images' on opening night and was, frankly, knocked out by the evening. No other modern/neo-classical production has touched me in anything like the same way. I had a headful of bees at the end, was quite hyper and promptly went online and booked more tix for the 18th!

I thought Bussell, in particular, in Middle was superb - these murmurings about her being better since the break may be true! She threw herself, and was flung, about like a teenager, hyperextending with impunity. It seemed obvious to me that she and Cope were enjoying themselves that evening enormously.

There was then a 15 minute interval - not quite enough time to get a drink comfortably, too long to stay seated. Annoying.

I fell in love with Remanso at the Insight day and simply could not help but be charmed and delighted by the full performance. The background of the Insight Day really opened up the piece and gave me an instant connection and rapport with it. I heard someone wrote things like "twee" and "self-indulgent" but I think that's a personal POV rather than impartial criticism. I had to chuckle when an American chap in the Balcony exclaimed "Holy s**t" when Cope climbed over the wall - he was obviously "in to it", and so was I.

There was a very short gap before Thrill, and I have to say I didn't really get into it, partly because my mind was still taken up with the Remanso that had just ended. Probably the first time that a performance with Alina Cojocaru had not slapped me across the face and sat me on the edge of my seat, but it was nothing to do with her. So I shall wait for the 18th and make more of effort this time!

Finally, after a more sociable 20 minute break, we had Por Vos Muero. Again, the Insight Day had got me warmed up and in touch with the background and inspirations of the piece and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't quite agree with the "masterpiece" rating, but I'm a long way away from the panning given by many of the critics. Perhaps the professional critic who only heard "what sounds like fiercely depressing verse in Spanish" would find the snippets less depressing, and indeed uplifting, if he took the trouble to read and understand them. Ignorance is sometimes bliss, but usually it just means you don't understand stuff.

Overall then, I had a great time. The on-stage talent makes the ticket price worthwhile, IMO, especially as the prices are about 20% cheaper than for a classic. My main complaint would be the lighting - this has been going on too long to continue to be charitable - Stretton should go and sit somewhere other than the stalls one night and then sort it out! I was only in the Balcony and had problems identifying dancers - I feel people above me must have needed a telescope.

One final thought: although they are only putting Enduring Images on 4 times, the poor sales may give Stretton pause for thought before embarking on a contemporary-centric strategy at Covent Garden.