Rupert Christiansen

Patronising to the people of Peterborough: BRB2’s Carlos Acosta Classical Selections reviewed

There was no scenery, rudimentary lighting, recorded music and junior company dancers – this wasn’t the real thing

Lucy Waine’s subtly playful interpretation of Will Tuckett’s setting of Monteverdi was one highlight. Photo: Johan Persson

Fulfilling its sacred duty to serve regions that higher culture tends to avoid, Birmingham Royal Ballet made a midweek visit to the troubled city of Peterborough. Its New Theatre holds about 1,200 and is normally focused on tribute bands and stand-ups; I would guess that for Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection only about 60 per cent of its seats had been sold or distributed, and predominantly to a white and female audience.

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