The live broadcast of ‘Swan Lake’ directly from Moscow’s Marinsky theatre to Wellington drew more than 280 people of all ages to the Wellesley last week but despite the success it’s uncertain whether these landmark live events will continue at the cinema.
Audience numbers, according to co-owner Stewart Cusack, was “slightly better than anticipated.” This special event, screened live to venues in 50 countries, celebrated 275 years since Russian ballet began – and will have left many in the audience eager for more.
They may, though, be disappointed. Stewart Cusack said, “We do plan other ‘Live’ shows IF we’re granted permission to show them, as the ‘powers that be’ at The Royal Opera House and The National Theatre are not really interested in allowing the Wellesley to participate in their broadcasts because they are of the opinion that Wellington is unable to provide sufficient numbers to sustain such events. We are currently negotiating with both organizations.”
“We have received a very good response from the audience both at the end of the performance and by many emails, but how many other shows will follow depends on the various promoters, most of whom would much prefer to deal just with the big circuits and not small single screen operations such as the Wellesley.”
Many, if not all, of those present at the performance will feel that they were privileged to be part of this event. As one member of the audience said, “It was just incredible! We’ll remember this for a long time!”
Gill Paltridge