A bold reimagining of a Christmas classic
Performed worldwide at Christmastime, The Nutcracker is perhaps the most popular of all the story ballets. With breathtaking music from Tchaikovsky, this ballet is iconic and thus a prime canvas for choreographers eager to make a name for themselves.
The Nutcracker follows the story of Clara, an aristocratic child gifted a nutcracker for Christmas Eve. When the Nutcracker comes alive she is transported into a world of danger and delights, only to be whisked home just in time for Christmas.
This most recent reworked version from English National Ballet, is a collaboration between the artistic director Aaron S. Watkin and choreographer Arielle Smith. Their creation leans heavily into the traditional British pantomime style, producing the perfect Christmas ballet for kids.
The first act includes some unique and very unballet-like choreography, with dancers gyrating and thrusting their heads forward in a way very reminiscent of La Fille mal gardée’s beloved chickens. At times it is difficult to ascertain if the younger dancers are unskilled or if these forced mechanical moves just make them appear so.
Fortunately, the second act proves the latter, as Watkin and Smith opt for more traditional choreography that the dancers gratefully sink their teeth into. Emma Hawes is an ethereal Sugar Plum Fairy surrounded by an array of delicious sounding exotic sweets. Erik Woolhouse plays a charming Ukrainian roll, seamlessly showing off his gravity-defying leaps and bounds.
Rhys Antoni Yeomans does an admirable job remaining balanced while dancing the role of Nutcracker Doll with a large fake head atop his neck, bringing us a dramatic and dynamic battle with the Rat King (James Streeter). France’s Gabriele Frola plays the Nutcracker Prince, a doll transformed by Clara’s heroics on the battlefield. Strong and suave, Frola makes a fitting companion for the future queen of the kingdom.
The real show stealer is the intricate costuming and magnificent set by Dick Bird. Bird continues the beloved ballet tradition of high-budget, awe-inspiring sets, holding nothing back in his creations, showing us everything from colourful Edwardian streets to the vibrant Land of Sweets and Delights. Costumes are just as exciting if a little more modern, with the Ice Queen and her snowflakes resembling the ‘Beauty School Dropout’ chorus in Grease. Some costumes reveal a little more than intended during some of the more ambitious lifts, giving merit to the more modest construction of the traditional tutu.
Although ballet traditionalists may be left chuckling at some of the more unique artistic decisions, this is the perfect ballet for children. With new characters, huge sets and colourful costumes, this is the ultimate festive day out for young families.
The Nutcracker plays at the London Coliseum until the 12th January 2025.