Victor Hochhauser goes to the High Court over Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker

The Birmingham Royal Ballet's Nutcracker at London's O2 arena in London has led to a High Court battle, says The Telegraph.

The 89 year-old promoterVictor Hochhauser is suing the owners of the O2 Arena for more than £338,000.

I have worked in this business for the past 60 years and I have never had any disputes, I have never been to court in my life, not even as a witness. All I want is the money I am owed by them – not a penny more and not a penny less.”

The December performances of the ballet made a substantial loss. Hochhauser is suing Ansco Arena, the firm which runs the O2, alleging that Ansco is trying to charge him for venue costs of £324,000 without supplying any underlying documents or invoices for expenses incurred. Hochhauser says his expenses came to a total of £975,000, but Ansco has only paid £355,000, despite collecting income of £674,000.

I have tried to take the reasonable appoach and I am hoping this won't go to court and, instead, we can reach a happy settlement. I have never had any trouble with a venue before. Business with me is always friendly. The Royal Albert Hall once even threw a big banquet for me.”

A spokesman for the O2 said,

We were surprised to receive this claim, but we are confident that this matter will be brought to a satisfactory resolution for the O2.”

Gramilano( Editor )

Graham Spicer is a writer, director and photographer in Milan, blogging (under the name ‘Gramilano') about dance, opera, music and photography for people “who are a bit like me and like some of the things I like”. He was a regular columnist for Opera Now magazine and wrote for the BBC until transferring to Italy.

His scribblings have appeared in various publications from Woman's Weekly to Gay Times, and he wrote the ‘Danza in Italia' column for Dancing Times magazine.