FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH – UNTIL SATURDAY 13TH APRIL 2019
REVIEWED BY SIOBHAN WILSON
5*****
I am now asking myself why I have never been to the Ballet before. This phenomenal show had the whole audience enraptured from start to finish, and I even found myself leaning forward in order to get closer to the action.
The thought-provoking display of a historical monarch legend was not only educational but entertaining.
Following the death of Queen Victoria, Princess Beatrice reads the Queen’s diaries. Scenes from the diaries are impeccably danced out by an extremely talented cast. It is as though Princess Beatrice is trying to rewrite her mother’s life with her tearing out pages from the diaries and writing in her own version. The incredible yet simple set design further displays this starting with library of red books becoming empty shelves and slowly refilling with the blue diaries of Princess Beatrice. The flashback dimension is regularly broken with older Beatrice mirroring and dancing with younger Beatrice.
Pippa Moore’s portrayal of an older Princess Beatrice is flawless, her expressionism through facial expression and dance is amazing and enrapturing. You completely emphasis with all the emotions that she is going through.
Miki Akuta as young Princess Beatrice echoes Pippa seamlessly, she is equally apt with the mirrored movements when dancing along side and with Pippa.
Abigail Prudames’ vast ability to portray a multitude of emotions is incredible. She portrays a whole life of highs and lows with such realism that you feel like you are going through the extreme events with her in real time.
The score is written to mirror the emotions and the orchestra played superb throughout. The thoughtful accents to mirror small actions such as Beatrice writing in her diary do not go unnoticed.
This is a strong show all round. Whether you are a seasoned ballet goer or a newbie like me this enrapturing display cannot be missed.