Bulawayo Morning Mirror Edition 1095 - 14/12/2024

The Academy offices re-open at 8.30 a.m. on Monday 6 January and the new term begins on Monday 20 January.

THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER AT 6.30 P.M. CINDERELLA
After her father unexpectedly dies, young Ella (Lily James) finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, who reduce her to scullery maid, but, despite her circumstances, she refuses to despair. An invitation to a palace ball gives Ella hope that she might reunite with the dashing stranger (Richard Madden) she met in the woods, but her stepmother prevents her from going. Help arrives in the form of a kindly beggar woman who has a magic touch for ordinary things..
- The story is as enchanting as ever, the handsome cast doesn't miss a beat, while the costumes and set design are wonders to behold. [Daily Mirror]
- Kenneth Branagh's remake of this much-loved Disney classic is a sumptuous, magical delight. [The Sun]
- Chris Weitz's screenplay updates the old Charles Perrault yarn in a fresh and witty way. The performances are very lively too. [Independent]
- Refreshingly traditional in a revisionist era, Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella proves Disney hasn't lost any of its old-fashioned magic. [Rotten Tomatoes]
Admission: US$2.50 [free to Film Members]

FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER AT 6.30 P.M. MASSENET: CENDRILLON
Massenet's Cendrillon was first performed at the Opera-Comique in Paris in 1899 and its gorgeous score embraces pathos, pastiche, broad humour, subtle eroticism and sheer magic. Neglected for much of the 20th century, this entrancing and often surprising opera has found a firmer place in the repertoire over the past 30 years and, with Joyce DiDonato as Cinderella capturing all hearts - not just Prince Charming's! - Massenet's enchanting, sophisticated retelling of the classic fairy tale comes in a charming and witty production by Laurent Pelly from Covent Garden.
- Bravo to the cast and crew of Cendrillon from the Royal Opera House production! Joyce DiDonato is absolutely wonderful, charming and shows her dramatic artistry when singing the beautiful arias. Her vocal performance left me breathless. [Amazon]
- Joyce DiDonato brings star quality to the title-role, touching the heart and, as the Prince, we have Alice Coote in simply stunning form, pouring out a stream of molten mezzo ardour. [Gramophone]
- Laurent Pelly's suitably magical production from Covent Garden fields two of today's greatest lyric mezzos in the lead roles: Joyce DiDonato is the wide-eyed heroine and trouser-role specialist par excellence Alice Coote all brooding intensity as her Prince Charming. Special mention for the indomitable Polish contralto Ewa Podles as the Wicked Stepmother. [Presto Music]
Admission: US$2.50 [free to Red Carpet Members

The Royal Ballet production of Cinderella will NOT be shown on 24 December and has been postponed to Friday 10 January

THURSDAY 9 JANUARY AT 6.30 P.M. LIVE AND LET DIE
As usual, the Academy kicks off the new term with James Bond! - this time the first of the series to star Roger Moore as 007. When Bond investigates the murders of three fellow agents, he finds himself a target, evading vicious assassins as he closes in on powerful Kananga. Known on the streets as Mr. Big, Kananga is coordinating a global threat, using tons of self-produced heroin. As Bond tries to unravel the mastermind's plan, he meets Solitaire (Jane Seymour), a beautiful tarot-card reader, whose magic is crucial to the crime lord.
- It's a solid adventure, and Moore fits smoothly into the role of Bond. It's an enjoyable film, and that's really all you could ask for.
- There are some splendid action sequences, notably a speedboat leap that set a new world record, as well as the usual array of hi-tech gadgetry. [Radio Times]
- Roger Moore's first 007 job is still top entertainment. [Total Film]
- A film that ranks with the best Bonds. [BBC.com]
- Moore acquits himself in a larger than life adventure peppered with enjoyably rotten gags and lots of playful action. [Film4]
Admission: US$3.00 [free to Film Members]

FRIDAY 10 JANUARY AT 6.30 P.M. PROKOFIEV: CINDERELLA
Marianela Nunez and Vadim Muntagirov star as Cinderella and The Prince in Frederick Ashton's timeless reworking of Charles Perrault's famous rags-to-riches story, showcasing the choreographer's deft musicality and the beauty of Prokofiev's transcendent score. A creative team steeped in the magic of theatre, film, dance and opera brings new atmosphere to Cinderella's ethereal world of fairy godmothers and pumpkin carriages, handsome princes and finding true love.
- Choreographed to Prokofiev's gloriously eloquent score, this most Ashtonian of ballets is one of the gems in the company's repertoire and now The Royal Ballet marks its 75th anniversary with a brand-new production. It is magnificent. [Culture Whisper]
- The entire company rises to the challenge of Ashton's intricate choreography with some aplomb. You can see how hard it is, how fast he makes their feet work.. [The Guardian]
- Marianela Nunez creates a delicate Cinderella who seems to float on the air as she delivers Ashton's complex pointe work. Nunez's line is exquisite and she inhabits the vulnerability and pathos of the part as she birdlike echoes the flute. [London Unattached]
- The Royal Ballet's new look Cinderella went live at a gala that celebrated 75 years of Sir Frederick Ashton's 1948 production. It was a glittery and glamorous occasion and it is good to report that there was plenty of sparkle in the dancing too. An undoubted triumph for The Royal Ballet. I'm sure Ashton would have been thrilled. [Bachtrack.com]
Admission: US$3.00 [free to Red Carpet Members

2025 (provisional)
Thursday 16 January The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Friday 17 January Mozart: La finta giardiniera [premiered 13 January 1775]
Thursday 23 January Galaxy Quest [released 25 December 1999]
Friday 24 January Concert: Ravel and Shostakovich
Thursday 30 January The Tunnel Series 2 [1 of 3]
Friday 31 January Oklahoma!