Swan Lake is back at Sadler’s Wells Theatre!

Posted on January 22, 2014February 19, 2018 by Dukes Blog

Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, Swan Lake, composed in 1875/76 returns to Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London’s chic Islington district. The spectacle made its debut at the same theatre in 1995, and is returning to the place of its première after 18 years.

The performance, based on old Russian folktales, tells the beautiful story of a young prince who falls in love with Odette, a princess who is turned into a swan by the curse of an evil sorcerer. Throughout the story, we are drawn into the twists and turns of the relationship between the two leads and how it develops.

Britain’s most popular choreographer, Matthew Bourne, revolutionised the performance by replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with an all-male one. The Times said of the show “the impact of this vibrant staging is undiminished; if anything it’s even stronger.” Bourne’s adaptation of the show has made the classic story more modern and relevant to today’s society.

Swan Lake has achieved more than 30 international awards and has become the longest-running ballet both in the West End and on Broadway. It encompasses dance, humour and award-winning designs by Lez Brotherston to create a breath-taking performance, enjoyed by those who know and love the traditional story as well as newcomers to the timeless tale.

The show is running at Saddler’s Wells Theatre from now until the 26^th January. Tickets range from £12 to £60 and are available from the theatre’s website.

Plus, after taking in the magnificent performance, why not extend your experience by coming to visit DUKES London for a drink (James Bond Martini, anyone?) in our famed DUKES Bar?

Image courtesy of David Hawgood

Ready for Vodafone’s London Fashion Weekend?

Posted on January 16, 2014February 19, 2018 by Dukes Blog

Somerset House is preparing itself for one of Britain’s biggest consumer fashion showcases: Vodafone’s London Fashion Weekend.

Designers such as Welsh favourite Julien Macdonald will be showcasing their latest collections ahead of next season. Amongst masses of designer shopping and expert fashion talks, the catwalks will take centre stage.

Designs from more than 100 of the top UK and universal designers will be showcased in four trend sections, each highlighting 40 minutes of fabulous fashion.

Vodafone’s London Fashion Weekend offers a unique opportunity to see the best upcoming trends and exclusive first-class fashion advice from the experts. London’s Somerset House, located in The Strand at the heart of the city, will be host to the fashion extravaganza.

The show is running for a long weekend from 20th to 24th February 2014 and tickets range from £20 to £130 depending on your chosen package. A variety of extras will be offered, including tote bags with ‘luxe’ treats to provide that VIP edge, including samples from fashion favourites Kurt Geiger and St Tropez.

After enjoying the show, why not continue your time in London with a drink at our famous DUKES Bar? We’ve got drinks of all variety, including our ever-popular martini – said to be the inspiration behind James Bond’s favourite tipple!

Image courtesy of Elliott Brown

Grab your tickets for London’s annual ‘France Show’!

Posted on January 9, 2014February 19, 2018 by Dukes Blog

From the 17^{th to}19^th of January, Earl’s Court will undergo a continental-style makeover as it’s transformed into the host venue for the city’s annual France Show. The show brings the best of France to the people of London in an exhibition honouring all the cultural quirks of our favourite Western European country.

View London states that the show possesses plenty of ‘joie de vivre’ and has dubbed the show ‘a full-on weekend of French fun’. There’s a huge variety of activities on offer for every kind of Francophile to enjoy, including a colossal traditional French market. The market comes complete with more than 50 hand-picked French stalls offering tempting treats like cheeses, charcuterie meats and a choice of French crafts.

The France Show runs from the 17^th to the 19^th of January at Earl’s Court in London. Tickets for the event cost £10 in advance or £13 on the door and are available from The France Show website.

After taking in all of the cultural delights of France at the fair, why not come and sample the no less sophisticated atmosphere of the DUKES Bar, and take a sip of one of our ever-popular ‘James Bond’ martinis?

The Duchess of Malfi is heading to Shakespeare’s Globe

Posted on January 7, 2014February 20, 2018 by Dukes Blog

The newly opened Jacobean-style theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, officially launches on Thursday 9^th January with Webster’s amazing The Duchess of Malfi. This macabre, tragic play written by John Webster in 1612-13 is the classic tale of corruption and the misuse of power within the Italian courts.

The brilliantly talented actress Gemma Arterton stars as the title role of the Duchess, and is returning to the Globe after she first made her acting debut there in 2007, as Rosaline in Love’s Labour’s Lost. For avid theatre fans, or those who enjoy a shocking and dramatic storyline, this performance promises to deliver with its dominant themes of love, loss and revenge.

The Duchess of Malfi is running at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at the Globe from the 9^th January to 16^th February. Tickets vary in price from £10 for standing to £60 for a premium seat. To book tickets, call the box office on 020 7401 9919 or visit Shakespeare’s Globe website.

And why not treat yourself to dinner at DUKES London either before or after the show? With a unique menu created by our wonderfully talented chef Nigel Mendham, you could start or finish your evening perfectly!

Image courtesy of Wally Gobetz