Peter and the Wolf (1997)

This isn't really helped by the sterile staging, but a combination of performances from the Royal Ballet School and the timeless score from Sergei Prokofiev made for an enjoyable reminisce of watching and listening to this adventure when I was young. It's narrated by Royal Ballet star Sir Anthony Dowell (who also doubles up as the grandfather) and stars the capable David Johnson in the title role. He lives with his grandad in the woods along with a bird, a duck and a cat. They are all usually teasing and chasing each other until the arrival of a menacing wolf (Martin Harvey) who is intent on gobbling them all up. Can they manage to keep one step ahead of their predatory visitor until the hunters arrive? You'll remember that the composer associated each character with their own instrument from the orchestra and as the story develops, that musical genius plays out really quite well. Sir Anthony's storytelling does just enough and it's easy to see potential here amongst the young dancers - individually and in ensemble. In many ways this is like a filmed version of a dress rehearsal, and kept in mind that doesn't detract too much from the talent on display - for eyes and ears.