Some useful links... James Bond official site James Bond resources site Royal Opera House Darcey Bussell Web Site Another ballet dancing Bond girl was Jane Seymour (ex London Festival Ballet) who played Solitaire in "Live and Let Die"...

In an unexpected move, the ROH has announced that it has reached agreement for the spectacular opening sequence of the new Bond movie to be filmed at Covent Garden. The five minute sequence will, in typical Bond style, feature a spectacular chase scene through the Opera House as Bond tries to foil an attempted assassination of visiting diplomats during a gala performance of Sleeping Beauty. RB star Darcey Bussell is the latest Bond Girl, taken as a hostage as the chase erupts through the rehearsal studios and out onto the roof.

The chase features a number of spectacular stunts, with mayhem erupting through the elegant foyers of the ROH as Bond (in tuxedo, of course) pursues the assassins through the crowded bars scattering the fashionably dressed audience. Regular opera goers may be astounded by the level of destruction - much spectacularly shattering glass in the plush Vilar Floral Hall, and an apparent explosion in the Crush Bar conservatory. Rest assured that most have been achieved - stunningly - via special effects. And we understand that the window of the amphitheatre bar, overlooking the Vilar floral hall, through which one of the villains makes such a hapless descent, was very quickly replaced by the filmmakers.

A spokesman said "We wanted to show that we at Covent Garden are not out of touch with popular culture, but have a real sense of fun and adventure. We really do want to appeal to a broad and popular audience, and this was a great opportunity to really put Covent Garden and ballet on the map. Millions who would never otherwise contemplate seeing the ballet will get an unconventional view of life behind the scenes here". Cameo appearances from some famous names are expected, both in the audience and backstage.

Royal Ballet dancers were predictably excited and keen to take part in the scenes set in the rehearsal studio. The producers said "We thought it was time to revise the image of the Bond girl just a little: we needed an image that was strong and assertive, which the girls are. And they have fabulous legs. And even the names were right - I mean, Tamara Rojo, you can imagine her as a Bond girl". In the end though, it was the glamorous Darcey Bussell that the cameras will be concentrating on , as one of her pink satin pointe shoes fells one of the bad guys with a tremendous kick. Darcey, who has always had her sights on a film career, is predictably thrilled. "Pierce Brosnan is just gorgeous. I want to teach him to dance".

The ROH is maintaining a discreet silence about revenue received for its use as a prime film location. However, if this proves popular and successful it could form a solution to the ROH's perennial financial problems. We understand that quiet soundings are being taken among Covent Garden insiders about possible future productions - for instance a thriller set against a performance of Tosca - with Friends and audience regulars given as chance to appear as extras. A bold new direction for the House. "

Direct Link to this news on Darcey's site.

You must have good sources Lynette - I din't realise anyone else knew as I was sworn to secrecy

I've been told it's leather! (probably just wears the PVC at home for Angus...)

Bruce, I wonder if that zip actually works, or is it just for show, d'you think?

It says somewhere they're starting filming in August

And we'll be abstained from a new Ashley Page-ballet !!!

It's actually timed to coincide with the new Bond flavoured ballets ..
Ashley Page's 'Pierced Off'
& Darcey Bussell's 'Dr. (spock) No'

(another discussion I know but personally we loved This House Will Burn )

Viviane - next time you post a message look at the top (underneath the red writing) and you will see a link called "emotion icon shortcuts". You can get all sorts of strange things...

BTW I agree....

>Nice picture of Darcey in PVC!

Ding-Dong!

I wish it wasn't - A hoax! I would have loved to see this film!

In that case my admiration goes to Darcey for allowing her own web-site to be used in this amazing conspiracy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/newsid_1258000/1258350.stm

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/news/story.html?in_review_id=378028&in_review_text_id=323492

I remember the Telegraph (Darceys favorite rag) ran a story about who or who is not a cockney! A cockney is deemed to be someone in hearing distance of the St Limes Church Bells in the East End. They did a map indicating the sound foot print of the church bells and it included some of London's poshest areas. It seemed to be a very well researched article so it seemed very creditable - but it was a April fool joke!

And Eugene, I'm sure Kate is right - the saying is that you are a true cockney if you were born within the sound of Bow Bells. I don't think there's a 'St. Limes' anyway.