This is the second time I have seen this full length version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at the Royal Opera House (<http://www.roh.org.uk>).
Last night the Royal Ballet was in fine form. Strangely there were a lot of bits I remembered only vaguely or not at all! This is indeed strange as it is a non-stop visual treat. Once you enter Wonderland all Bob Crowley's designs draw you in and evoke a magical world. Shrinking doors, falling cards, roses that won't stay one colour - fabulous!
There were many cast changes last night, but that did not detract from the dancing. Sarah Lamb spent nearly the whole evening on stage as Alice, and showed no signs of fatigue. Federico Bonelli had the dual role of Jack and the Knave of Hearts - stealing tarts and Alice's heart! However, for me, the standout performance of the evening was that of Zenaida Yanowsky as the Mother/Queen of Hearts. As the mother she told her children off, organised the servants and did some flirting with her party guests.....as the Queen of Hearts she stole the show. Her fabulous, shiny red costume and ferocious facial expressions struck fear into all of us (would we lose our heads?). Her reckless, badly (!) danced solos were hilarious. Those of us old enough to remember Les Dawson and his terrible piano playing - to do that you had to be a good pianist. As a great dancer Yanowsky was able to pull of a couple of very dodgy solos.
All in all it was a huge piece. Not too much padding (a little here and there). Danced beautifully and with great verve. Christopher Wheeldon must be very happy. He has created an enduring money-spinner for the The Royal Ballet!
