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The evening started with a free pre-performance talk in the auditorium, a nice feature of ENB touring, and attended by about 40 of the patrons. We were given an introduction to the ballet, giving something of the history, and a brief discussion with Elena Glurdjidze and Arionel Vargas. Arionel had just debuted as Lescaut that afternoon, and would debut in the role of Des Grieux on Saturday. Elena is the only female performing both the roles of Lescaut's mistress and Manon. Another instance, for me, of ENB's accessibility, to have two principal dancers talk intimately and informally to ballet-goers, and respond to questions.

The most noticeable element for regular Manon-goers at RB is the production, from Danish National Ballet. As a touring production, the sets are obviously very "light": here I think you do lose some of the atmosphere, but this is more than made up by the costumes (you can get an impression here). I am no great fan of the Georgiadis costumes: in the ENB productions the courtesans are much more attractive and the aristocrat patrons (in their white wigs) more evocative of the period.

Regarding the dancing, I think that the ENB Manon hold its own against the RB one. (Incidentally, please correct any mis-identificaiton of dancers in what follows: I received the disappointing "they only come with programmes" response to my request for a cast sheet, though I think this will be rectified.)

Fabian Reimair's debut as Lescaut was impressive, especially in Act One (he has danced the role before, I think, but not with ENB): there is no doubt that this Lescaut is a man out for the money, and prepared to do what it takes to get it. I had made the trip to Bristol as I expected great things from Friedemann and Daria and I wasn't disappointed. Friedemann, as his fans know, has the technique, passion and physique to be a great Des Grieux. His was a good debut, but I expect it to be better when the production makes it to London, and has had a chance to develop the character more.

What really surprised, and most delighted me, about the performance was the sophistication and maturity of Daria's Manon. It really was difficult to believe this was a debut: the development of her character through young love, to wealth, to having it all and finally losing it were beautifully and convincingly delivered. As soon as the London casting is published, book your tickets!

Special mention to James Streeter’s haunting gaoler, Mr GM (can someone advise me who this was? – a delightfully and subtly unattractive portrayal) and to Sarah McIlory as Lescaut’s mistress, and to the ENB orchestra, who add so much to the performances on tour: without live music, the show could only be half what it is.