Hansel & Gretel & The Blythswood Hotel

Going to the ballet is something I have wanted to do my whole life. I could blame all my rubbish ex-boyfriend's for not taking me. Or how hectic life is with a kid. But the truth is I was always worried I would be a little bored. I can't even wait on a doctor's appointment without cracking up never mind sit through a 2 hour show at the Theatre Royal. 

Boy, was I wrong.

Last Saturday myself and some other lucky bloggers were treated to a day I will remember for quite some time. The day started at 11am where we were greeted with a smile and a 'Woodcutter's Cocktail' at The Blythswood Hotel. 

Yep, 11am. 

What? 

It's Christmas, K?

From there we were taken into a private cinema room for a quick video on the 'making of' this beautiful production. Once that was done we were treated to a delicious afternoon tea in one of the private suites. We dined on lots of yummy treats including sandwiches with the crusts cut off, miniature gingerbread men and the best teeny butterscotch eclairs I have ever tasted. 

Seriously, how do I get more of them?

During our feast we had the honour of a q & a session with two of the shows dancers while some of the therapists from the spa indulged us with hand and arm massages. As if this wasn't enough we were then whisked off to the Theatre Royal for the afternoon matinee of Hansel & Gretel.

One word: 

Spellbound.

Bored, I was not. In fact the time seemed to fly past. It was as beautiful as it was mesmerising and definitely something I want to do again.

In fact I can't wait till Ava is old enough to go. I'm already envisioning her cuddled up on my knee staring hypnotically at the stage, as transfixed by the dancers as I was. Although this would be a fabulous thing to do with friends or your other half, I have already decided that this is something too special not to share with my little one when the time is right.

My favourite part of the whole performance was most definitely the solo dance in the dream sequence by Hansel & Gretel's mother. I'd like to tell you that the tears that stung my eyes when it finished were from the Prosecco but I would be lying.

Go see this. 

Or buy tickets for your folks for Christmas.

You won't regret it.

 All photos of the actual performance are courtesy of The Scottish Ballet Company.

All the photos from the day can be found on the Dawniepopsie's Facebook page.

The Scottish Ballet Company are even treating you to a live webcast tonight (Wed 18th) at 4.30pm. So get your questions ready and get listening. More information on the webcast can be found here.