However well or averagely they are performed, a mixed bill of Stravinsky ballets always pulls you in, especially when they're from the Diaghilev era.
Between 1910 and 1928, the Russian composer and Russian impresario created six major ballets, most of which survive in something like their original form.
The odd man out is Pulcinella, a commedia dell'arte-themed ballet about the unreliable lover and his mistress Pimpinella.
Birmingham Royal Ballet is the last in a long list of companies to make a new version, hoping, no doubt, to create some of the success of the original which featured choreography by Massine and designs by Picasso, plus Stravinsky's score orchestrated around fragments by the Neapolitan composer Pergolesi.
BRB's version is by Kim Brandstrup and, because BRB is a familyfriendly troupe, Brandstrup has taken some of the edge off the original tale - Pimpinella is now a "girlfriend" and Pulcinella is "sleepy".
It's a little too safe for my taste. However, Brandstrup has made some flowing duets for the leads (Robert Parker, Ambra Vallo), and the two flirtatious sisters (Laetitia Lo Sardo, Carol-Anne Millar) are prettily drawn.
Bookending the new piece are the two giants, Apollo and The Firebird. Both are new to BRB, and their recent arrival shows. With time, these ballet should settle, although BRB's cosy take on Apollo left you underwhelmed by the Greek God.
Tonight only (0870 737 7737).
Birmingham Royal Ballet: Stravinsky! A Celebration 2006 (Apollo/Pulcinella/The Firebird)
Sadler's Wells
Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN
