Benjamin Scheuer (“The Lion”) and the Birmingham Royal Ballet collaborate on this five minute video, “dedicated to the ambition to keep ballet and performance alive.” It illustrates Scheuer’s song, which includes the refrain

“All that’s left is an empty stage
All that’s left is an empty stage
All the dances
All the spotlights
Memories of a golden age

The scenes of a lone man then a lone woman kicking a pumpkin down an empty field or an empty street contrast with footage (presumably) of past performances by the ballet company. Please watch, and then tell me how you react.

Does “Empty Stage” make you wistful? Weepy? Are you awed? Depressed? Or do you roll your eyes?

How aligned are you with an early commentator? “I’m sorry but this wasn’t uplifting at all. The final words fade away: ‘All that’s left is an empty stage…’ How depressing! What about something upbeat, fun, colourful – a touch of humour, maybe? Something to lift everyone’s spirits? I think that’s what we need right now.”