A day at the Ballet

Yes, I know I am extremely late but I promised you a review of the ballet that I attended on the 14th March, and here it is!

For a bit of background info, it was coming up to Mother’s Day and our 10th Wedding Anniversary when I spotted an add on Facebook for a performance related to Queen Victoria. I have a few favourite people from history and she is definitely one of them, so it really caught my attention.

Over the years I have been to many shows and plays, but never a ballet. Knowing the hubby wasn’t interested in anything like that I suggested purchasing a ticket for myself, as a combined present, and go during the day while my daughter was at school.

Show day arrived and I turned up at the theatre with plenty of time to spare, and was just in awe of the building. Everything was so decorative and opulent; I could imagine women dressed in their finery and men looking dapper in the century or two that the theatre had been stood there.

I had chosen my own seat based on ticket price so I was surprised to discover I was in a box all to myself! It allowed me a great view of the stage and I could see the orchestra getting set up and into position.

Before and after each part of the performance an Usher came to ask if I was alright and make sure my little light was turned off/on. I was right near to the bar too which helped avoid the queue during the interval when I had a sneaky glass of prosecco.

The ballet itself begins with the death of Victoria and the story is told through her daughter Beatrice. Beatrice begins reading Victoria’s many diaries, and in doing so, is able to understand the woman with whom she became.

There are scenes based around Victoria’s relationships with John Brown, Lord Melbourne, Victoire and John Conroy, her children and, of course, Albert amongst others. Some are sweet and some are turbulent but the accompanying score sets the mood perfectly.

The costumes were beautiful and the dancing and choreography were equally as stunning. It’s definitely more of a contemporary piece than a traditional ballet, but don’t let that put you off. I was completely sold on the roles of the dancers, they kept my attention the whole time, and I was enraptured by the final scenes with Albert. One thing I didn’t expect was to be bawling my eyes out at the end. Word of warning, take tissues!

As a first time ballet attendee(?) I would definitely recommend that everyone goes to see it, you will not be disappointed. The Northern Ballet are performing Victoria at…

Cardiff New Theatre Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 May 2019

Belfast Grand Opera House Wednesday 29 May – Saturday 1 Jun 2019

There will also be a special showing at cinemas everywhere on Tuesday 25th Jun 2019.

Jodiexx