The magician Herr Drosselmeyer needs to save his nephew. Hans-Peter has been transformed into a Nutcracker; in short, the only way to save him is for the Nutcracker to defeat the Mouse King and find a girl to love and care for him. A flicker of hope comes in the form of the young Clara, whom Drosselmeyer meets at a Christmas party. With some magic, a cosy Christmas gathering turns into a marvellous adventure.
Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker has enchanted audiences since its 1984 premiere by the Company. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s most familiar melodies and brought to life by Julia Trevelyan Oman’s exquisite designs, it keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic, combining the thrill of the fairy tale with spectacular dancing. Straightaway you can be sure that The Nutcracker is sure to be a festive firecracker for all ages.
Loosely based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet begins in the 19th-century German home of the Stahlbaums, where they are hosting a lively Christmas party. Clara is given an enchanted Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. As midnight strikes, she creeps downstairs to find a magical adventure awaiting her and her Nutcracker.
The magician Drosselmeyer transforms the drawing room so he can command a battle between mice and toy soldiers. During the battle, Clara saves the Nutcracker’s life – breaking a magical spell that turned him from a boy to a toy – and the Mouse King is defeated. In celebration, Drosselmeyer sweeps Clara and the Nutcracker off to The Kingdom of Sweets, where they meet The Sugar Plum Fairy and take part in a wonderful display of dances. The next morning, Clara’s adventures seem to have been more than just a dream.
Creatives:
Choreography PETER WRIGHT after LEV IVANOV
Music PYOTR IL’YICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Conductor KOEN KESSELS
Original Scenario MARIUS PETIPA after E.T.A. HOFFMANN
Production and Scenario PETER WRIGHT
Designer JULIA TREVELYAN OMAN
Lighting Designer MARK HENDERSON
Production Consultant ROLAND JOHN WILEY
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