© John Ross 'Mayerling' reviews Cope in reviews Rojo in reviews recent RB reviews more Bruce Marriott reviews Discuss this review (Open for at least 6 months)

In the early 1990's it was not unusual for reviewers to imply that Jonathan Cope was rather wooden. I always thought it was unfair but he was certainly reserved. Ultimately he gave up dancing for 2 years but thank goodness he came back and now, towards the end of his career, he's firing on all cylinders to everybody's delight. And here he was in Mayerling - the ultimate challenge for a male dancer, centre-stage throughout, playing the schizophrenic prince trapped in a decadent, twisted court full of intrigue, and his inevitable suicide with his lover, Mary Vetsera, danced by Tamara Rojo. It's a piece to stretch the senior ranks in a company, with lots of more minor roles for soloists, although the corps doesn't really get so much of a look in.

Cope's Crown Prince Rudolf is anything but noble: a scary portrayal that gets scarier when Rojo arrives half way through the ballet. A woman determined to get her man and the only woman in a sea of them who understands the ticking time bomb he is. Ultimately she dies with him - both mercifully released. The pdd between them are amongst MacMillan's finest - riskier than many with huge throws, twists and unusual jumps. It all totters on a terrifying knife edge emotionally and technically; they take huge risks as Rojo, particularly, becomes totally consumed.
 

While the tension can be almost unbearable, it sadly dissipates at times. The tavern/brothel scene is very comic-book with the corps girls dressed as whores, but with all the conviction of the supermarket checkout and the police raid with its silly truncheon waving comes over more as Keystone cops on a go slow. I could also lose the fireworks display and singer - sorry not my cup of tea at all. But none of it really matters when you have such stunning performances from the leads. And gold stars to Zenaida Yanowsky as the useless mother, Gemma Bond as the bewildered wife and countless cameo performances that made it come alive. This is the Royal Ballet at its world best. Other casts will be good I'm sure, but live on the very wild side and see Cope and Rojo if you can.