It’s ten minutes before the evening performance of Don Quixote ballet performance and I’ve already been asked by some of Canterbury’s retired residents whether I am in the ri
It’s ten minutes before the evening performance of Don Quixote ballet performance and I’ve already been asked by some of Canterbury’s retired residents whether I am in the right seat or whether I’m even in the right place.
I’m not entirely sure where these perceptions derive from but it’s fair to say that a lot of young people must not frequent the ballet or in particularly, the Marlowe Theatre, judging from the fact that me and my friend were the youngest people in the audience.
As for me, they wouldn’t be half wrong – having exhausted the club and bar scene of my local town (not to mention all the dining options) I decided to tick off one of the ‘cultural activities’ on my to do list before graduating this year: go to a ballet performance at the Marlowe Theatre, which is currently playing host to four ballet classics during March.
Presented by the acclaimed Russian State Ballet of Siberia, the critically acclaimed classic ballet, Don Quixote, certainly didn’t disappoint.
Lasting for an hour and a half, Don Quixote, is based on Miguel de Cervantes’s 17th-century masterpiece comedy about the adventures of an insane man who thinks he is a Knight combining the main themes of love, friendship, loyalty and duels.
Performing to a packed audience, this Russian showpiece is not only a hit with its critics but with Canterbury residents.
The spectacular choreography played by members of the cast and the dashingly handsome male lead and beautiful female lead combined with a dash of Spanish passion enthralled the captivated audience.
The musical score, performed live by the Russian State Orchestra of Siberia was also exemplary—it’s not hard to see why this performance draws crowds. It’s not just limited to the score, the costume design was also superb. From the two-piece gold and black suit worn by the leading males to the delicate candy pink ballerina outfits worn by the leading dancers to the red and black bodice worn by the female lead, the exquisite costumes which changed every scene wouldn’t look out of place at a high couture fashion house.
My only criticism would be the set design which perhaps could have been more lavish and only changed a mere three times throughout the show but even this couldn’t take away the splendour of the performance.
Anyone who has even a remote interest in ballet or looking for something alternative to do on a Monday evening especially if you’ve exhausted the vomit-stained floor of your local pub, the Russian State Ballet Of Siberia are a must see. If you’ve ever had a burgeoning desire to become a ballet dancer, they will most certainly want to make you leave university and join the nearest ballet school!
I must dash now, I’m late for beginner’s ballet…
Kettle rating: 8/10
The Russian State Ballet Of Siberia’s performances will be held until Saturday 15 March. These dates include their performances of Sleeping Beauty, Giselle and Swan Lake.
To book tickets, which range in price from £18 to £40.50 (concessions available), call the Box Office on 01227 787787 or visit their website.
