An evening at the Bolshoi is still one of Moscow’s most romantic and entertaining options, with an electric atmosphere in the glittering six-tier auditorium. Both the ballet and opera companies perform a range of Russian and foreign works here. After the collapse of the Soviet Union the Bolshoi was marred by politics, scandal and frequent turnover. Yet the show must go on – and it will. Unlike other theatres around Moscow, it is not possible to buy tickets to the Bolshoi at the teatralnaya kassa (theatre kiosk). In theory, tickets can be reserved by phone or over the internet, or (depending on the season) it is often possible to purchase tickets at the Bolshoi’s box office (Main Stage 11am-3pm & 4-8pm, New Stage 11am-2pm & 3-7pm), especially if you go several days in advance. Otherwise, you can show up shortly before the show and try to buy tickets from a scalper. Scalpers are easy to find (they will find you); the trick is negotiating a price that is not several times the ticket’s face value. Expect to pay upwards of R1000. Most importantly, make sure you examine the ticket and the date of the show (even the year) before money changes hands. A limited number of reduced-price student tickets (R20) go on sale at the box office one hour before the performance. Go to window No 3 and bring your student ID.