Last Night.... Our First Time
Well it was , but not what you are now thinking.
Last night we went to the Millenium Centre in Cardiff again (2nd time in 2 weeks) . This time it was to see Sleeping Beauty , the Ballet not the pantomime. It was something to take off our ' bucket list ' as my Daughter said when she gave us the tickets for a Xmas present .
I have always loved 'Classical music' & Tchaikovsky is a particular favourite ,so it was wonderful to see his music translated into dance. I don't think it was exactly as he 'saw' it as it had been updated into the modern day , in a new production by Matthew Bourne's 'New adventures' a company of contemporary dance/theatre which is resident at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London.
That is not to say that it was not good ,because it was a wonderful experience that we will never forget. The principal ballerina Hannah Vassallo was superb & made the part 'come alive' with her amazing suppleness. The male dancers were superbly athletic with their lifts & jumps ,enough to make any woman swoon & men to admire.
Did I ever think I would be so enthralled by a 'musical without words' ? I can't say that I did , but strangeley before Xmas I had said to Swmbo that perhaps it would be nice to at least say that I had seen a ballet & perhaps we should 'go' when we get a chance , to which she agreed & then the 'xmas present'
I came out of the theatre with the music ringing in my ears & light hearted , even light headed. I had to take a few moments before I was sufficiently composed to drive home.
I should also say that our daughter also booked a pre show meal for us in the Ffresh restauarant in the theatre , which was also very good . Another first 'Sandfire' it was something I had never eaten & I must say it complemented the Sea Trout superbly , you see these things on the cookery programs , but never really consider them as something to buy , very tasty. The meal was excellent & is a place to consider as suitable for a special occasion if living on a tight budget .
All in all a wonderfully memorable 'first'
Ken 
PS if you fancy it here are the dates & locations of performances
Grand Opera House, Belfast
Tuesday 12 - Saturday 16 March
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Tuesday 26 - Saturday 30 March
Nottingham Theatre Royal
Tuesday 2 - Saturday 6 April
Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 April
New Wimbledon Theatre
Tuesday 23 - Saturday 27 April
Liverpool Empire
Tuesday 30 April - Saturday 4 May
Bristol Hippodrome
Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 May
Marlowe, Canterbury
Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18 May
Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 May 3