Dance review: Don Quixote

The Royal ballet, London

What is it? Dancer Carlos Acosta turns choreographer in this production, drawing on Marius Petipa’s classic ballet version of the Cervantes novel, with music by Ludwig Minkus. He also dances the role of Basilio, while Marianela Nuñez is Kitri.

The Independent says: “Can deliver a punch, but doesn’t always follow it up. Acosta and the irresistible Nuñez have tremendous fun in the famous pas de deux – which then fizzles slightly in an overlong finale. This Don Q is a colourful evening, with welcome confidence but too much fuss.”

They say: Financial Times: “The score has been edited, re-orchestrated and, to my ears, has lost much of its savour, while the all-too-vivacious cast is called upon to shout and make merry cries to cover some of the flimsier moments in the drama … we are faced, alas, with another betrayal of this joyous old ballet.”

DanceTabs: “challenging for the Royal Ballet … hot-blooded Latin exuberance is not really their thing (except for those who actually are hot-blooded Latins, obviously) … they should perhaps admit that Don Quixote just isn’t a good fit for them.”

You say: @VampireSoup: “Alright, I admit it. Carlos won me over in the end, the old charmer #ROHDonQ”

Details: to 6 Nov; roh.org.uk