So, I was going to have to miss this because I was going to have a foot operation at just the moment (just after Christmas) that I wanted to see this. But what a coincidence, first I get a call from the hospital postponing the operation, then I get a call from my cousin saying that this is my Christmas present, and oops! It is tonight!. So I'm tapping this out on the bus back to Lewisham from the O2.
Fairly spectacular venue, pretty spectacular performance. I already had the soundtrack off iTunes and the stage version sounded similar but it was brought into a different universe by the performances. I only vaguely remember Monkey Magic as a boy, but I remember enough to see that this little opera has captured the essence.
That naughty monkey, superbly played, every whimsical move, so light and yet powerful, a real delight, but nothing compared to the elastic fantastic acrobatics. I could not believe the contortions of the Spider woman and the dancers at the peach party. Entertaining and fantastic!
