FABULOUS BEAST Sadler’s Wells Theatre

Michael Keegan-Dolan’s productions for his Irish based dance theatre company have been notable for their stamina, brutality and black humour and so The Rite of Spring, which caused a sensation, musically and choreographically, when it was premiered 100 years ago, should be perfect material for him; but Stravinsky’s electrifying score, with its churning rhythms and clamorous orchestrations, needs a full orchestra. Justice cannot be done to the ferocity and eroticism with one piano and four hands. The dancing will not thrill anybody who has seen either the Bejart or Bausch versions. Keegan-Dolan’s Petrushka drops the familiar Russian festivities and folk puppetry, which may disappoint some people, to enact another spring ritual in a much lighter and more joyful key to Stravinsky’s delightful music.