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Post by afds on Oct 6, 2008 14:30:07 GMT -5
It's official: the Royal Ballet is staging Giselle in April-May 2009. Naturally I plan to go  I'm hesitating over an evening performance, which will entail looking for a hotel in the vicinity of the ROH (last time we stayed in Bloomsbury and met some rather noisy drunks on our way back from the theatre, which was not pleasant) or a matinee. My experience here has been that the big guns come out in the evenings and matinees are neglected, but this may not be the case at the ROH, which would mean a big saving since hotels in Covent Garden are expensive. Any advice gratefully accepted. |
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Post by afds on Oct 8, 2008 15:12:05 GMT -5
Nothing??? Chic dear, I was counting on you... Guess I'll have to ask TALF  |
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Post by chicchantal on Oct 10, 2008 11:30:28 GMT -5
Hi, sorry, wasn't about much this week or last . . . I have only been to one matinee at ROH and that was ages and ages ago. I would do the evening one if I were you. The matinee I went to was kneedeep in small children (admittedly it was Nutcracker, but still). Can't recommend a drunk-free hotel unf, but you might want to try Bertorelli's cafe (downstairs rather than the restaurant upstairs) in Floral Street for their cheap prix fixe supper beforehand.
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Post by afds on Oct 10, 2008 14:30:27 GMT -5
Bless you! Evening performance it is.
I'm looking at the Kingsway Hall hotel and the Charing Cross Guoman, both very near the ROH and with good TA reviews. The only B&B I've seen so far is Seven Dials and the reviews are awful, still, there's lots of time to check since it's way too early to book. Thanks for the dinner rec, but I think hubby (who is Italian and a fantastic cook) will revolt if I make him eat Italian food in London ;D
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Post by Shoesy on Oct 10, 2008 23:43:15 GMT -5
I'm sure you will enjoy the performance. I wish I could join you. "Giselle" is truly a classic and one of my favorite ballets.
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Post by chicchantal on Oct 11, 2008 3:39:45 GMT -5
Have you see G at the ROH Shoesy? It's worth coming to London just to see it. I've been to it three times. Gorge costumes for the village dance bit, garlands of flowers etc.
Afds, you could try Rules in Maiden Lane for dinner one evening. This is one for big meat eaters. They specialise in game. I think there's one token fish dish on the menu, no veggie option. But loads of different birds, and bunny and venison and traditional English puddings made posh (I had prunes and custard to die for there, Agen prunes soaked in Armagnac and creme caramel or was it brulee). Also wine by the pitcher, I had a half litre of a lovely Tavel. You need to book well in advance and you need to count on £50-£60 a head. Worth EVERY penny. Rules is said to be the oldest resto in London/England/Europe, depending on who you ask.
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Post by Shoesy on Oct 11, 2008 4:26:15 GMT -5
I've never been to the ROH, nor have I been to the city it's located in.
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Post by afds on Oct 11, 2008 4:53:10 GMT -5
I agree with CC, in fact we're going specifically for the ballet, just a couple of nights. I've just bought a DVD with Alina Cocojaru as Giselle, hopefully we'll be able to see her live. Shoesy, another good Giselle will be at La Scala in November 2009, with Svetlana Zakharova. It's time to start planning a trip!
Rules looks very interesting.
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Post by geordy on Oct 11, 2008 7:21:11 GMT -5
The first time I went to London I think the ROH was being renovated..the second there was nothing on during my brief stay..did go to theater 2 nights though. Next trip will definitely be planned with a performance..preferably ballet, there in mind! Rules has been recommended to me too. La Scala is also on my must see a perfomance there list! As is Sydney...but the Great Opera Houses of the World tour got postponed when my career took a dive!  One of these days..... |
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Post by chicchantal on Oct 21, 2008 14:25:29 GMT -5
Darlings, I have just booked myself cheapo (£50 each) tickets to Ondine and Nutcracker before Christmas.
Yip Pee!
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Post by Shoesy on Oct 21, 2008 22:37:04 GMT -5
That doesn't sound so cheap to me, CC.  How much are the most expensive tickets? In any case, I'm sure you'll LOVE those ballet performances.  |
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Post by chicchantal on Oct 22, 2008 13:28:02 GMT -5
Top whack is now £97 I think. No kidding. The seats I've booked are good ie no limited view, but definitely cheepo ones.
This is my fourth consecutive year at Nutcracker but I've never seen Ondine before.
Can't wait.
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Post by Shoesy on Oct 22, 2008 15:21:54 GMT -5
CC - Why do I have the feeling this won't be your last consecutive year seeing "The Nutcracker"?  BTW, I've never seen "Ondine" either. |
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Post by chicchantal on Oct 23, 2008 12:43:24 GMT -5
I sincerely hope it won't! I have been meaning to see Ondine for years. I had to take the tough decision either to have one ballet at £97 or two at £50 and £52 respectively. I think I did the right think, I only saw Nutcracker last year.
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One of these days..... 
How much are the most expensive tickets? In any case, I'm sure you'll LOVE those ballet performances. 
BTW, I've never seen "Ondine" either.
hahahha