TchaikovskyÂ’s magnificent score was not as powerfully played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, under the rather staid conducting of Barry Wordsworth. This was especially felt at the more dramatic moments in this most dramatic of ballets. Beautiful movements... However there was compensation in the form of a wonderful performance from Asta Bazeviciute as Odette/Odile, who depicted both characters with beautiful movements and illuminating facial expressions. She was ably supported by the talented young Iain Mackay as Prince Siegfried. The Corp de Ballet was in sparkling form although at times they lacked the ideal unity normally expected of Birmingham Royal Ballet. The sets designed by Philip Prowse captured the drama of the ballet, reinforcing the tragic nature of the story. This production was first shown in 1981, but it can still surprise new audiences as was demonstrated by the spontaneous applause at the beginning of act four! Greatest ballet of all time... Although not a perfect performance, it is still worth seeing because it manages to capture the essence of one of the greatest ballets of all time. Swan Lake continues at Birmingham Hippodrome until the 13th March 2004.
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