As the Royal Ballet prepares for the Peter Wright ‘Nutcracker’, three new Sugar Plums are interviewed for The Times. Tamara Rojo in a blond wig is unrecognisable. What a pity.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,62-53704,00.html

<small>[ 23 November 2003, 08:30 AM: Message edited by: Stuart Sweeney ]</small>

I absolutely hate those wigs in the RB Nutcracker. They ruin every dancer I've ever seen in them. I think they are sort of silvery white rather than blonde, and the men wear them too, don't they? They remind me of the equally horrible wigs in Ballet Imperial as it used to be performed by the RB - I don't know whether Balanchine used them.

"Finally, after 14 years in the Royal Ballet, Gillian Revie is going to dance her first classical pas de deux on the stage of the Royal Opera House as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker." by Robin Stringer<P>A key role for Gillian Revie, as she tells us it's her first grand pdd. She has always done well in dramatic roles including the other woman in the recent 'Lilac Garden', so this is a chance to break into a different range of roles for her. <BR> <BR><A HREF="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/review.html?in_review_id=345103&in_review_text_id=289005" TARGET=_blank>http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/review.html<BR>?in_review_id=345103&in_review_text_id=289005</A> <p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited December 23, 2000).]

You're right grace. I checked the RB website and Revie joined the company in 1988. So, it's not 14 years, but not a long way short. <BR>She has worked hard to get where she is and is clearly well respected in the Company.<p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited December 23, 2000).]

Yoshida and Cope danced the first night RB Nutcracker, recorded for TV; their white wigs have been replaced by what looks like sprayed sugar but is very effective. The corps wigs remain. In spite of the excellent Act I transformations in the BRB production, this ROH one remains my favourite, and was looking in very good shape.

Yes Grace. December 30th, in the afternoon -they recorded the dress rehearsal and first night, so will have a few days for editing. Incidentally, I bought Graeme Murphys Nutcracker on video in the ROH shop - very different and an ingenious piece of theatre, reminds me slightly of the AMP style, and Dame Margaret Scott is a truly remarkable lady

'Christmas lingers on at the Royal Ballet.' Judith Mackrell has a delightful time at the RB 'Nutcracker' and she awards it a rare 5*. <BR> <A HREF="http://www.guardian.co.uk/reviews/story/0,3604,416838,00.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.guardian.co.uk/reviews/story/0,3604,416838,00.html</A><P>Looking through the listings for this work, I have counted no less than 9 RB casts as far as I can make out. They seem to be using the enormous audience appeal of the work to give a wide range of dancers the chance at a lead role, without running the risk of empty seats. Imaginative programming in my view.<P><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 02, 2001).]

<P>Poster for the RB 'Nutcracker', featuring Antony Dowell.<P>'A 'Nutcracker' to be enjoyed.' Clement Crisp savours the RB 'Nutcracker' and in Wildor's Sugar Plum, he sees the artistry of some of the greats of the past.<P>This production has been very well received.<P> <A HREF="http://news.ft.com/ft/gx.cgi/ftc?pagename=View&c=Article&cid=FT3YI8LGGHC&live=true&tagid=YYY9BSINKTM&useoverridetemplate=IXLZHNNP94C" TARGET=_blank><B>Clement Crisp's review</B></A> <P><p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 06, 2001).]