Throughout, there was an understandable atmosphere of "the ballet's the thing" and hence the escapades of Don Quixote were subservient to the main business of the evening although a colourful touch was added by the arrival of the Don on a real} live Rozinante, with his trusty follower firmly wrapped round a donkey, both beasties deporting themselves under trying circumstances in an exemplary manner.
Of the large cast, it is but possible to mention the stellar components despite the fact that there was much excellent individual work done in the ensemble numbers. Miss Audrey King was her usual expert self in a number of solo dances but Miss Bobinina ran her a close second with perfect contro] and poise. A particularly fine duet was danced by these two in. the last act. Mr. Shevlu gin at all times partnered Miss King in an understanding manner besides producing two spectacular solos himself. Mr. Seroff (replacing Mr. Volsky who unfortunately sustained an accident) partnered Bo ina most competently.
The concerted items (particularly the Bolero; Yanover, Wiener, Kocheshelf, Boukanovsky and Egoss) were colourful and effective, but on occasions the stage was manifestly overcrowded with a resultant loss of coherence in the ballet. A word of appreciation must be added to mark the charming scenes done by the youngsters in particular, the Polonoise, starring Miss Joy Blackwood, was delightful.
At the risk of incurring last year's opposition, mention must be made of the orchestra. To say their playing was arnd would probably dishearten them which would be a pity since they could undoubtedly do better, and moreover should strenuously try io by means of exhaustive rehearsal. If these ballets are to be savoured to their full (as they deserve to be) there must be a ce-operative blend of competence both above and below Stage. Let us, however, not altogether mistake the means for the ends: all in all, "Don Quixote" is well worth seeing.—n.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.