There’s something so wonderfully festive and special about the ballet – especially one that’s set at Christmas. The sparkling costumes, delicate music and twinkling lights of 'The Nutcracker' are a far stretch from our usual pantomime outing for the end of the year, but if you’re looking for a classier affair then it’s the perfect way to bring a touch of quiet magic to the holiday season.
'The Nutcracker' is a well known classic with a beautiful score by Tchaikovsky, that follows Clara (Rachel Gillespie) as she is whisked away on a magical dreamlike adventure to a beautiful world filled with all kinds of marvellous characters and, of course, her Nutcracker Prince (Harris Beatie). We join Clara and her family at their Christmas party, decked out in their finery and enjoying the festivities in a beautiful dance. The set design by Charles Cusick Smith is simply stunning, with a Christmas tree I can only dream of having the patience to decorate, and a real homely feel to the regal Regency home that draws you in to the party.
Admittedly slow to get going, the narrative of the production could certainly have been condensed a little; although the performances were beautiful, it did feel as though each sequence went on just that little too long. Ballet differs from other theatrical performances in that the lack of dialogue means the performers need to show, not tell – the production does this wonderfully bar the first introductory scene, which is a slightly lacklustre spot in what is otherwise a stunning storytelling.
As the festivities unfold, we’re introduced to Clara’s eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer and his magical box of wonders, from which, among other enchanting delights, a beautiful wooden Nutcracker is gifted. What ensues is a beautiful and delicate dance through a world of wonder, with drama and laughter and incredible choreography by David Nixon CBE. You might not expect giggles at a ballet, but when The Nutcracker is miraculously brought to life to battle the Mouse King (Bruno Serraclara) the show really picks up, as delicate dancing makes way for camp choreography in a wonderfully staged fight scene (with adorable little additions drom the younger students of Nothern Ballet).
Clara, of course, saves the day, and the rest of the show sees Clara and her Prince transported to a mystical land, full of snow and beauty where she is celebrated for her bravery by everyone she meets – through the medium of dance, of course. Due respect should rightly be given to any dancer able to spend 2 hours en pointe with a huge expressive grin on their face, still able to move gracefully and hold themselves up; the ability to create such beautiful art with movement is one you don’t see on this level very often. But of course, despite the across-the-board talent, none could compare to the Prima Ballerina; the Sugar Plum Fairy. Dominique Larose was absolutely mesemerising in this famous role, step perfect with her partner Jonathan Hanks as the Cavalier. Despite one close near-drop (which can be forgiven when you’ve to lift someone up that many times in pants that tights!) they stole the show as the picture of elegance.
In all, if you’re not a fan of ballet then of course it won’t be for you – if you’re after something upbeat to get into the party spirit then head down the road to the panto. But if youre a ballet lover, or simply fancy a change with a familiar story to bring that extra bit of magic to your holiday season, then this is the one for you – it’s an absolute dream.
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