Reactions to UK Government's flagship:- 'Levelling Up White Paper.'

ON 2 February 2022 the Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, has unveiled the:- 'Levelling Up White Paper.' The Policy Paper sets out how we will spread opportunity more equally across the UK, looking at a moral, social and economic programme for the whole of Government. It comprises a bold programme of:- "systems change, that includes 12 UK wide missions to anchor the agenda to 2030, alongside specific policy interventions that build on the 2021 Spending Review to deliver change now." In reaction to the release of the flagship document that sets out how we will spread opportunity more equally across the UK, we received the following statements:-

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director, said:- "The Levelling Up White Paper is a serious assessment of the Regional inequalities which have hamstrung the UK's economic potential for generations. It offers a blueprint for how Government can be rewired and an encouraging basis for how the private sector can bring the investment and innovation to start overcoming those deep-rooted challenges, and power long term prosperity for every community, wherever they live. The picture it paints of a reinvigorated 2030 UK can inspire public and private sector partners to unite on shared missions for improving health, wealth, growth and opportunity across the country. Crucially, it accepts the CBI view that business-driven economic clusters; enabling every Region and nation to build its own unique competitiveness proposition; can be a catalyst which brings levelling up ambitions to life."

Responding to the announcement of measures to reduce serious violence and neighbourhood crime by 2030, in the Government's Levelling Up White Paper, Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the Local Government Association's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, commented that:- "It's good to see the inclusion of new measures and further funding packages which will strengthen the work of councils and multiagency partners in tackling a range of community safety issues. The White Paper has recognised and responded to our calls for an extension of the Safer Streets Fund which will allow councils to continue investing in the resources they need to address crime and anti-social behaviour within their communities. To capitalise and enhance the work already undertaken, it would be helpful for previous recipients to be allowed to apply for further funding for projects. We look forward to hearing more from the Government on the timelines for submitting bids and the delivery of this funding."

Centre for Cities' Chief Executive Andrew Carter also responded saying:- "In this white paper the Government recognises that bridging the country's long standing economic divides is its most important job. The focus on issues that really matter to people; education, pay, life expectancy; should be applauded. So, too, should its willingness to look beyond quick fixes and short-term political gimmicks. That being said, a programme that makes the whole country more prosperous will need to last beyond 2030. It needs the backing not just from this Government, but also from future Governments; irrespective of their political composition. Without this, it risks being discarded like past programmes when there is a change of Government. The onus is now on everyone to make it work."
 

Russian State Ballet of Siberia (Liverpool)

A group of birds flying in the air Description automatically generated with low confidence. Raymond Gubbay Limited is pleased to announce that The Russian State Ballet of Siberia will once again tour the UK marking the 20th Anniversary of the company's 1st season in the UK. Accompanied by the Russian State Ballet Orchestra, they will present the iconic and classical Romeo and Juliet, Snow Maiden and Swan Lake, at the Liverpool Empire, from 14 February to 16 February 2022.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia; led by Artistic Director Sergei Bobrov, and Music Director Anatoly Tchepurnoi; has established itself as 1 of Russia's leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and depth. Since their 1st Christmas season at St David's Hall, in Cardiff in 2002, the Company has completed 18 UK tours and has had success in:- Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Japan, Turkey, Bulgaria, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

Sergei Bobrov said:- "I am delighted to return to the UK this year. The response of audiences wherever the company performs is overwhelming. We can't wait to be back on stage again in front of UK audiences once again."

The ballets, brought to life with magical special effects, to be performed this season are:-

► Swan Lake:- The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky's haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tutu as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette, as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette / Odile is 1 of ballet's most unmissable technical challenges.

► Romeo and Juliet:- Shakespeare's tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy is brought to life by Prokofiev's soaring score, set in bustling Renaissance Verona and with an emotionally charged choreography that befits the world's greatest love story. From the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers' balcony, this star-crossed story of duels, bitter family feuds and love that cannot be, is unmissable.

► Snow Maiden:- Protected from the outside world by Father Frost, the exquisite Snow Maiden plays innocently amongst the dancing snowflakes in the enchanted Land of Frost. Based on a traditional folk tale, set in the snow covered landscape of rural Russia, this seasonal sparkler follows the Snow Maiden as she dances into the human world. Captivated by the colourful village and the people who live there, she ventures too far and is swept up by feelings of love, temptation and betrayal. When finally she surrenders herself completely and warms to love, her heart melts in a tragic embrace.

► The Russian State Ballet of Siberia was formed in 1978 by talented graduates from choreographic Schools, in:- Moscow, St Petersburg, Kiev, Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg. Many have gone on to become award winning artists and made prominent appearances at international ballet competitions and festivals. The company is proud of its dancers who are highly acclaimed worldwide for their unique interpretation of both dramatic and comic roles, delivering performances of sincere emotional and dramatic integrity.

Over 100 opera and ballet productions have been created for the Theatre over the past 40 years with many receiving high critical and public acclaim. Since 2002, Sergei Bobrov has been Artistic Director of the Krasnoyarsk State Ballet (Russian State Ballet of Siberia). Leading Dancers from across Russia have forged their skills and artistry under his direction in new productions of timeless classics, such as:- The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia and La Fille mal gardée.

Under the direction of Sergei Bobrov, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia continues to expand its repertoire. In addition to commissioning new works from within Russia and abroad, the company specializes in 20th Century full-length ballets such as:- Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, Spartacus, The Golden Age, Mozart and Salieri, Electra and Antigone.

Find out more at:- RayMondGubbay.Co.UK, and book your tickets today at- ATGTickets.Com/Liverpool.