‘A beautiful, creative interpretation of the popular Christmas classic.’
Choreographed and directed by Christopher Hampson, with additional flavour from a team of choreographers, this enchanting ballet was the perfect way to start the December festivities.
From the beginning of this mesmerising interpretation, there was a fun and festive feel at the grand Christmas eve party. A busy bustle of children playing, guests dancing and gifts exchanged with an array of attendees from lively youngsters to the eccentric aunts who were humorously characterised by Gina Scott and Madeline Squire.
As the unique and bedazzling Drosselmeyer arrives to entertain the guests, the mood changes form light-hearted to curious and mysterious. Drosselmeyer who is skilfully performed by Grace Horler commands the stage and captivates the audience with magic and excitement.
It is in this scene that Drosselmeyer gifts the family with a charming nutcracker resembling a handsome prince. There are lots of clever slights of hand in this sequence, from unique magic tricks to the moment Drosselmeyer repairs the nutcracker following a playful mishap between young Fritz and Clara.
When Clara, danced beautifully by Ava Morrison, falls asleep after the festivities the magic truly begins as she is thrust into a strange world of fantasy. There is a shift in tone as she meets the scary King rat, cleverly characterised by Ishan Mahabir-Stokes and his band of mice.
Thankfully, Drosselmeyer’s magic continues as the beloved nutcracker awakens to reveal instead a charming prince who was precisely performed throughout by Yuri Marques Da Silva.
Not only does the prince valiantly defeat the King Rat in a thrilling battle but he then takes Clara on an enchanting and wonderous adventure to the shimmering Land of Ice and Snow, where delectable dancing delights await. The delicate snowflakes and the graceful Snow Queen performed by Roseanna Leney take the stage for a spectacular wintery treat. The perfect end to the first Act.
There is outstanding costume and set design from Lez Brotherston from the intricate features of the King Rat and his band of rodents to the opulent and delicate designs of the Snow Queen and her entrancing sleigh. And the second act is no different as the playful, festive and eye-catching set transports us to the realm of the Sugar Plum fairy.
The exquisite dancing continues in the second Act as Clara feasts on an assortment of dances from across the world. Each dance evoked a different feeling as we moved through the five different countries. I particularly enjoyed the punchy and jovial nature of the candy canes from Russia where Sophie Laplane’s fun, acrobatic choreography was enhanced by Brotherston’s bright and bold Russian clown costumes.
I also appreciated the beauty and delicacy of the bon-bons from France who danced with poise and precision. Jessica Fyfe who later expertly danced a stunning Sugar Plum Fairy also choreographed this beautiful delight of treats.
When the curtain closed at the end of the show, I could not believe how quickly the evening had past. From the enchanting live orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s well-loved music, to the captivating dancing and delectable costumes, the evening was spectacular. This ballet was as delicious as the array of sweets danced in the second Act and is not one to be missed!