In Short
A Christmas winner for the family with a sensible story and not a nutcracker in sight. Fairies abound, Cinderella gets her man, gorgeous music and ugly sisters to please the dotty Gran in us all. A shame about the uninspiring design.
Background
A work that has been wooing people since 1948 and from a wonderfully prolific period of Frederick Ashton's - Symphonic Variations and Scenes de Ballet, his great masterworks, both date from this time. This is Prokofiev's finest ballet score too, if composed in the depths of the war it's full of vitality.
Design
David Walker's much-loved and delicate designs were replaced last season by rather less tasteful versions from Toer van Schayk (sets) and Christine Haworth (costumes). A year on and they still jar - if David Walker was Farrow and Ball then the new designs are B&Q. That said I do think the ball-gown designs for the Ugly Sisters have an appropriate ill-judged look and the ballroom set itself is wonderfully three-dimensional. But the fairies (normal and seasonal) make me shudder with their 'My Little Pony' colourways.
Choreography
Ashton's first full-length work and a good piece particularly in its movement for the fairies. The corps is rarely given such inventive and distinguished work and it must have been a revelation when first unveiled. The Seasons' variations, short and challenging, also enthrall with their diversity and the charm of their children-attendants. However the piece takes a fair while to get into its stride and we have to endure the Ugly Sisters' squabble over the scarf. I've never seen any partnership rise above the "two blokes desperately trying and failing miserably" feeling. It's not the dancers' fault - what Ashton asks for is beyond anyone who doesn't have six clear months to rehearse.
Dancers
Wayne Sleep and Anthony Dowell were the opening night Ugly Sisters and their characters have developed a lot since their debuts last season - for the better in my book. Sleep knows how to entertain and his comic additions please people if I suspect Ashton lovers of taste and discrimination will want little of such common vulgarity. For myself I welcome the injection of panto, given I think Ashton's Ugly Sisters choreography doesn't work for itself.
Anthony Dowell and Wayne Sleep as the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella
© John Ross
Alina Cojocaru was Cinderella and for the first time she actually "got to me" as a principal rather than as a young and incredibly talented dancer. Here was poise, assurance, control and strong acting. Quite wonderful to behold and with a strong Prince in Kobborg. The Fairy Seasons all looked well-cast if Winter seemed rather grumpy about life.
Does it Work?
Yes - a pleasant coupling of panto and serious hi-art. But it would be better in the old designs.
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