- The Nutcracker heralded the start of the festive season at The Theatre Royal Nottingham last night.
Whether you’re a fan of ballet or a novice like me, you can’t fail to be mesmerised by this performance from the Northern Ballet of the 1892 classic “fairy ballet” with a score by Tchaikovsky.
Stepping in at the last minute due to another reviewer’s illness, I don’t claim to know everything about ballet nor the correct names for the ballet moves. The last performance I saw was at the Theatre Royal, but way back when I was at school. However, many of us know something of the Nutcracker whether it’s a Christmas tradition in your home, or you know bits of the music from films or even adverts (who’s old enough to remember the Cadbury’s Fruit and Nut advert?) in fact Tchaikovsky’s score has become one of his most famous compositions.
An adaptation of E.T.A Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by Alexandre Dumas called “The Story of a Nutcracker” forms the plot for the story of the ballet.
Set on Christmas Eve, family and friends have gathered to celebrate. I’m thinking lead character Clara might have had a little bit too much cheese before bedtime, as what follows is surely a strange dream.,
One in which a nutcracker comes to life and there are life size mice who form an army. Of course there are amazing scenes too including a snowy fairyland and a magic sleigh. Whether you know much about ballet or not, you can’t help but be drawn in by the story and dancing which is somewhat hypnotising.
The cast make the moves look effortless, which I’m absolutely sure they’re not, but being seated near the front I can confirm how light on their feet they were as they barely appeared to make a sound on the stage in front of us. Like feathers in a kaleidoscope they almost appeared to move and float around the stage.
From an outstanding cast. Special mention must be made to Mlindi Kulashe as Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s Uncle who presents her with the nutcracker. He puts in a charismatic performance as an almost magical showman type character. Harris Beattie is a fine Nutcracker Prince, and of course I must mention Saeka Shirai as our magical Sugar Plum Fairy, and Clara herself; played by Rachael Gillespie.
A delight for ballet lovers and non ballet lovers alike, and a truly magical start to the festive season.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Theatre Royal Nottingham
Wednesday 16 – Saturday 19 November 2022
Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Thu matinee 2pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm
£12.50 to £45 plus discounts for Royal Members*, Under 16s, Under 26s, Groups, Schools, and Families www.trch.co.uk Box Office 0115 989 5555
On Saturday 19 November, Northern Ballet is holding an audio-described performance at 2.30pm and touch tour for visually-impaired customers at 12.15pm at the Theatre Royal Nottingham. More details are available here; Northern Ballet – The Nutcracker | Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Nottingham (trch.co.uk)
Review by Tanya Louise
Editor
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