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7:51	The stage is set. An elaborately decorated inn - set in Paris.

7:53	Tamara Rojo dazzles as young Manon, captivating all on stage. Carlos Acosta enters his solo piece, the dance is charged with longing emphasised with elogated plies en arabesque.

7:56	The first pas de deux between Des Grieux and Manon commences. Rojo gives a maturity and modesty to Manon. The dancing is effortlessly beautiful.

8:00	A rare opportunity to see the orchestra play along with a plot update. The joys of watching ballet on TV.

8:04	The second pas de deux develops the intimacy. The pair bring life to MacMillan's choreography, which can be made awkward by some.

8:15	Monica Mason- "The role of Manon is the one of the most challenging." Tamara Rojo likens the character to Marilyn Monroe - everyone wants to own them and ends up killing them. Modern day Manon, Britney Spears?

8:22	Not so sure about the frizzed-up wigs for the harlots. The frills running throughout the costumes do give an air of flamboyance and extravagance though.

8:42

The passing of Manon commences with the swan-dive lifts. The dance represents her transformation from the playful innocent to the worldly woman who uses her sexual appeal to lure diamonds, who sells herself to faceless men in return for empty lust, symbolised by the bracelet placed on her wrist at the end.

8:48	Des Grieux's plea to Manon as played by Acosta is wholly moving and danced with real desperation and heartache.

8:49	The picques with the hands behind the back are indeed part of the choreography! When I first saw Manon I thought the dancer was tightening his ponytail.

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