The Show Must Go Off ...

The show was brought to us by world-renowned dancer/choreographers Malavika Sarukkai and Nahid Siddiqui and showcased the classical Indian dance traditions of Bharata Natyam and Kathak, respectively. It was skilful, it was colourful, it was beautiful. It was loooooooong.

The first half was easier on the concentration levels, largely due, I think, to the story-telling nature of the dances (and partly because I spent a disproportionate amount of time figuring out her costume). Sarukkai's flawless performance was wonderfully appealing, particularly in her expressive face and hands. It still ran over, however, so the interval was welcome.

The second Siddiqui half sadly didn't live up to its hype. Again, this isn't to say it wasn't a great performance, and Siddiqui's fluid, effortless elegance made it all look so easy. It was just that after it ran over by about an hour some of the audience had clearly started losing the will to live. Believe me, I am the last person to be all punctual and British and clock-watch-y, but my god - an hour??!

I started to try and make up reasons why I had to leave without seeming rude ... My cat needing feeding ... I was getting a headache ... My legs had died .. Hell - I'd died! ... I think the guy lolling in his seat and dribbling next to me might have. Can't be too much of a bad way to go though - death by Kathak OD.

I'm being mean here (it's much more fun) - you can't deny the class of the performers. It was, however, like that 35-course banquet. The food may be superb, but after a couple of courses that's quite enough.