The Nutcracker: Bringing Its Magic Back To Birmingham

The Birmingham Royal Ballet returned to the stage of the Birmingham Hippodrome last night with, what has to be the most magical and exquisite Ballet of them all. Yes, I’m talking about Sir Peter Wright’s masterpiece, The Nutcracker, which traditionally brings Christmas officially to Birmingham. Forget the German market, when Tchaikovsky’s overture begins, Christmas is truly here.

Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas tale of magic and mystery that takes place on Christmas Eve is a festive staple. And after taking a break last year for the marvellous, and sometimes hilarious Cinderella, The Nutcracker made a welcome return with what may be its most beautiful staging ever. The story is a simple one, the lovely Clara (Sofia Liñares in a magnificent debut) is given a special gift by the magician Drosselmeyer, a Nutcracker doll that she instantly falls in love with.  Creeping downstairs to retrieve the doll from under the Christmas tree, she is suddenly transported to a magical land, where the Nutcracker is alive, the rats are as big as people and there is a dancing Sugarplum fairy, a beautiful Snow Queen magical Spanish dancers, and a glorious flying swan to transport Clara through a snowy, wonderful wilderness.

The company of The Nutcracker is simply wonderful. I have already mentioned Sofia Liñares ,who is a charming, lovely Clara, totally making the role her own, whilst the stunning Celine Gittens is exquisite and perfect as the Sugar Plum Fairy. I loved Yasiel Hodelín Bello as the Prince, a virile yet romantic lead who has a wonderful chemistry with Gittens. Other stand outs including the crowd pleasing Russian dancers (Louis Andreasen, Callum Findlay-White, Tom Hazelby) with their energetic Cossack style dance is always a real favourite, particularly as it is performed to the part of Iiyich Tchaikovsky’s score that is instantly recognisable from fans of Home Alone. Max Maslen is also brilliant as Drosselmeyer, the mysterious magician who creates all the magic of Christmas Eve.

The Nutcracker is an annual classic that never loses its charm and beauty and remains an unmissable part of the Birmingham Theatre calendar.

Simply Wonderful.

The Nutcracker

Birmingham Hippodrome

Tue 26 Nov – Sat 14 Dec

Click here for ticket information

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