It’s our 15th anniversary at Hatch House…
It’s our 15th anniversary of Ballet Under The Stars performances at Hatch House. Find out where it all began and what you can expect from Hatch House 2024.
15 years ago, a quick conversation took place in the 17th Century walled Dutch garden at Hatch House. It was between The Covent Garden Dance Company director Matt Brady and the owner of the gardens, Lady Holly Rumbold. The latter was being asked if she would mind if the former put a ballet on in her garden. The response was an emphatic:
‘Oh my gawd yes!’.
Three months later, the first show was presented to a bijou audience of 120 guests who had been rapidly contacted to try to ensure that the eccentric idea of presenting a ballet in a garden could be realised before the summer passed.
For those of you who have not been, the 430 seat dinner theatre is created within the two tiered walled garden to form the dinner theatre. The walled garden is completely covered with a giant bespoke roof for the run of the 4 shows. Guests arrive generally around 5:30pm to enjoy a drink from the newly created Café Folle Speak Easy cocktail bar and a walk in the sunshine around the gardens. At 7pm everyone is seated at tables with their party to enjoy their first course of gourmet dining ahead of the first half hour section of performance. Each half hour of performance takes place after each course of dining. Each performance section has four short works within it with each work lasting around 5-8 mins.
Hatch House 2024 is a feast for the senses for anyone and everyone, especially if you have never been to see ballet or dance. The combination of the performance and three course dining, in the deeply romantic walled garden is truly something unique and brilliant. If you can get a ticket….GET A TICKET!
Performance dates are: 25th/26th/27th July 2025
To enquire about offers, tables, menu and the programme, get in touch via email events@coventgardendance.com or phone: 01749 81 3313
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Interview with Beatrice & Max
Ahead of an exciting international tour, we caught up with Birmingham Royal Ballet partners and Principals Beatrice Parma and Max Maslen.
Can you tell us three things people don’t know about you?
“I am a hobbyist DJ, I play guitar in a band and I can’t sing!”
Max“I’m the happiest by the sea, I love watching Formula 1, I can’t go to bed without fluffing the sofa’s cushions.”
Beatrice
What has been your favourite role that you have danced?
“Juliet is without a doubt my favourite role that I’ve performed so far. I love how in MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet the choreography meets the music perfectly. Performing this role is always so special as you can bring so much individuality to it.”
Beatrice
“My favourite role I have performed would have to be Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. The sword fighting, the drama and fun make each show unique!”
Max
What role would you most like to dance that you are yet to debut?
“A dream role of mine has always been Marguerite in the Lady of the Camellias by John Neumeier. I remember watching it at the Teatro alla Scala when I was younger and completely falling in love with the role. The choreography is absolutely stunning and I would love the challenge of performing such a complex and dramatic role.”
Beatrice“The role I would love to perform is Sergeant Francis Troy in David Bintley’s Far from the Madding Crowd. Some of the pas de deux are extremely challenging and I’d love to have a chance to dig deep into the character.”
Max
What has been the highlight of your year with BRB?
“My highlight of the season has to be watching my girlfriend get promoted to Principal dancer on stage after her performance of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. It’s a special moment for anyone and even more so knowing all the hard work and dedication that she put in.”
Max“Getting promoted to principal was not only the most special moment of this season with BRB, but of my career. Carlos walking on stage and announcing the promotion after my Aurora show is a moment I will forever cherish. I never expected to get to the top so I’m so grateful and honoured to start next season as a Principal dancer of the company.”
Beatrice
What are you looking forward to most about dancing at Hatch House with the Covent Garden Dance Company this year?
“Galas are always a great opportunity to meet new people and dancers. I’m looking forward to dancing in such a beautiful location and get inspired by all the other dancers performing there.”
Beatrice“I’m looking forward to being able to meet other artists from around the world and to try and learn and take inspiration from them.”
Max
What will you be dancing?
“We will be performing Sir Frederick Ashton’s wedding pas de deux from La Fille Mal Gardée and another Ashton iconic pas de deux - Rhapsody.”
Beatrice
What inspired you to dance these pieces?
“We chose these pieces as we’ve performed them before, got to grips with the way they move and flow, and now can push them to go further.”
Max“We are about to perform La Fille Mal Gardée with BRB next season so we thought it would also be a nice addition to the evening as it’s just a beautiful pas de deux.”
Beatrice
When you’re dancing these pieces together how does it make you feel?
“Being together in life, it’s always nice to share moments not only off stages, but on as well. It adds onto memories we’ve built together.”
Beatrice“We’ve always enjoyed performing together! it’s usually only outside of the company that we get to choose what repertoire we dance together as well!”
Max
You will be performing alongside some wonderful artists from all around the world this year, who are you most looking forward to watching perform?
“I’m excited to watch everyone perform, there’s always things you can learn from different dancers and get inspired in a different ways”
Beatrice“I wouldn’t want to say individually who I’m looking forward to see perform, but more the collective and how each artist will bring something completely different to the evenings.”
Max
What do you like most about performing for events such as this?
“I’d say the most special thing about Galas like this one, is how dancers from all over the world come together for a few days sharing what we love.”
Beatrice