in response to alexandra's words:
i too agree with this about stretton. unfortunately he brought in those very same things (from ABT) to the AB, as if that formula was the 'one-tried--and-true' way to run a ballet co.
i wondered about his judgement the first time around (at AB) - but to see it happen twice, when the 'ABT'-ish approach hadn't even been particularly well-received the first time, really made me wonder about his intelligence...
about helpmann, i would differ. i would consider him an example of the attitude i mentioned above. i was living in london when he died, and was appalled by the meanness of spirit, of the obituaries i read there - just plain spiteful, as if his achievements had been resented all along, because he WASN'T english.
funnily enough, i have just this afternoon watched a TV program about this attitude to 'colonials' in england. one australian expat made the point that, as an australian, you are completely outside the english class system, so 'they' find it hard to know how to treat you - because how to treat you is, to at least some extent, dictated by where you 'would' fit, in the heirarchy.
at the same time, it always seemed to me that this CAN be used to advantage. because 'they' can't pigeonhole you, into one particular level, you can be free to move about socially, in ways which english people might not think to, or dare to.
i don't want to set off a war with british readers. so, my apologies, if these sentiments are different to your perceptions about the experiences of australians in england.
btw, the phrase 'tall poppy' is such a well-known expression in australia that it sounds quite old-fashioned now. there was even a book titled 'Tall Poppies', about significant australians (in the 1970's, i would guess).
back to stretton, and his australian-ness: you can nevertheless bet that NO other australian will get a look-in there (at RB) for ANOTHER 50 years, now that HIS stint has turned out so badly !!!