A Screening of the Ballet

Going to see the ballet is something that most of us have on our list of things to do before we hit 30 (or 40, or 50), but somehow we never quite get round to it. Yes, it would be a night of culture and entertainment, something you could talk about at posh dinner parties to pretend you’re terribly rich and witty and educated. Watching a beautiful and thought-provoking performance will enrich your life and, best of all, you can pretend you’re Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman (or Richard Gere if you’re a bloke). Hey, it’s almost the Opera! So why does it never happen?

This week, there’s a great way to see what you’re letting yourself in for without splashing the cash. If you haven’t been able to get tickets for ‘Manon ’ in the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden (or if it slipped your mind, again), head over to Trafalgar Square for 7.30pm this Wednesday, 1st June. The entire ballet is going to be beamed onto a screen live from Covent Garden, allowing hundreds more people to watch it in real time. That means that you don’t have to fork out £100 for a good seat! All you need to do is turn up early, probably with a blanket to sit on, a cozy jumper and some snacks to keep you going, and settle in for the evening. The lead roles are scheduled to be played by a real life couple, so you can expect some real sizzling passion! Johan Kobborg will be dancing alongside Alina Cojocaru.

Ballet has regained popularity amongst all ages in light of the recent film release of Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman as Prima ballerina. Let’s hope the leading lady in Manon is a bit more sound of mind! Whether you’re going to see it in the Royal Opera House or in Trafalgar Square, make sure you book a Covent Garden taxi to get you there in good time.