Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | Paul Kay

On the evidence of this performance, there is every reason to be cheerful.

A random assortment of disassociated ballets performed with variable success - from the sublime to the nondescript. 

A return of the company's signature work found The Royal Ballet fielding an excellent cast led by Sarah Lamb and Vadim Muntagirov. 

With little fanfare, other than a cockerel crowing from the pit, the Royal Ballet crept to life for its new season. For a couple of hours, all was right with the world.

Praise goes to Wayne McGregor, Alessandra Ferri and the Royal Ballet for their bold, modern and innovative treatment of Virginia Woolf's legacy.

Considering its French title, Sir Frederick Ashton’s ballet La Fille mal gardée is quintessentially English. Laura Morera and Vadim Muntagirov brought the bright spring sunshine from outside to flood the auditorium in delightfully sunny performances.