Boston Ballet to return to London’s Coliseum after long 30 years

Posted on June 28, 2013March 11, 2019 by Dukes Blog

London is welcoming back the Boston Ballet from the 3^rdto 7^th July for the first time in 30 years. The dance company, coming all the way from America, will present two mesmerising programs at the historic Coliseum.

Program A contains innovative dance work which will highlight the company’s various range of abilities. Arrangements include Vaslay Nijinsky’s Afternoon of a Faun, George Balanchine’s Serendade and Symphony in Three Movements as well as a piece called Plan to B by their own choreographer, Jorma Elo.

Program B will bring to light the company’s contemporary skills through three diverse pieces. The program features Christopher Wheeldon’s Polyphonia, William Forsythe’s The Second Detail and Jiri Kylian’s Bella Figura.

Polyphonia, a complex piece, allows the dancers to showcase their raw talent in a stripped down, pure piece of ballet. The Second Detail is a strong piece full of energy, which never fails to overcome an audience. Boston Ballet is the first American company to perform Bella Figura, which is said to be an emotional masterpiece that leaves viewers with a long lasting impression. All three pieces are cutting edge pieces of work – definitely worth a watch.

Ticket prices range from £10 to £75 and are available here. Located in Covent Garden, the shows take place at 7.30pm each evening with an extra showing on Saturday 7^th at 2.30pm.

Fancy dining in style beforehand? Come along to our restaurant and experience some of our fine cuisine. Perfect!

Image courtesy of KCBalletMedia

London’s West End LIVE is returning!

Posted on June 20, 2013February 26, 2018 by Dukes Blog

Calling all theatre lovers! This year’s West End LIVE is getting ready to showcase performances from top west end musicals in Trafalgar Square from the 22^ndto 23^rd June 2013.

Presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre in association with MasterCard, last year’s West End LIVE drew the attention of more than half a million people around the country, and this year’s event is set to be even bigger and better. There will be a wide range of different performances from existing to new productions, as well as live bands for visitors to enjoy. For a full list please visit the website.

As well as theatre performances, the public can also participate in a number of interactive activities and exhibits from many of London’s popular museums and attractions. Kids can get involved in Dora The Explorer live, and Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo, where they can experience these magnificent pre-historic creatures come to life on stage.

West End LIVE can get very busy and queues are predicted to form long before the event begins, therefore in order to avoid disappointment make sure you arrive early.

DUKES London is the perfect place for you to welcome the summer, amidst the sightseeing and fun of our fabulous city. Ideal for theatre-goers, our restaurant offers an early dinner menu, with full details available here.

Image courtesy of Paul Farmer

BP Big Screens return to London

Posted on June 13, 2013February 26, 2018 by Dukes Blog

From Thursday 13^th June to Thursday 18^th July BP Big Screens return to various locations across the country, including here in London. Broadcasting live and direct from the Royal Opera House, on various dates across June and July the screens will be broadcasting MacMillan’s Mayerling, Puccini’s La Rondine, and Tosca. These are three of the Opera House’s most emotionally powerful productions.

The big screens provide the perfect way to share world-class opera and ballet with friends and family. In 2012 BP Big Screens celebrated 25 years of live and free outdoor relays from the Royal Opera House.

On Thursday 13^thJune on BP Big Screens in Trafalgar Square, Victoria Park and Waltham Forest will be broadcasting MacMillan’s Mayerling. Mayerling is the story of passion and madness based on historical fact set to the dramatic music of Liszt. The Prince of Austria-Hungary, Rudolf, is forced against his will to marry the Princess of Belgium, Stephanie. Rudolf is then drawn into a downward spiral of political intrigue, violence, and ultimately, suicide. It was created by MacMillan, one of the 20^th Century’s greatest choreographers, for The Royal Opera Ballet and is a signature work for the company.

The performance begins at 7:30pm on Thursday 13^th June and will last around three hours with two intervals throughout. After indulging in one of The Royal Opera House’s world class performances why not wind down in style in one of our exclusive suites? DUKES London has 90 luxurious rooms, including 11 opulent suites and an exclusive Penthouse Suite overlooking the stunning Green Park.

Image courtesy of Diliff