The Nutcracker – Christmas Comes To Birmingham

The Birmingham Hippodrome was once again transformed into the epitome of Christmas as the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s classic production of The Nutcracker opened last night. The ballet is always seen as the opening of Christmas in Birmingham, and, once again, it’s charm, beauty and magic thrilled the sell out audience. This year it is celebrating 35 years since it first came to Birmingham and The Nutcracker can still be described in a single word- enchanting.

It is Christmas Eve and the Stahlbaum family are giving a party for family and friends. A magician Drosselmeyer is invited and gives the Stahlbaum’s oldest daughter Clara the gift of a Nutcracker. When the guests have departed, Clara creeps down to retrieve her Nutcracker (worried that her jealous younger brother will steal it maybe?), but as the clock strikes midnight the room seems to grow in size and become a strange, eerie place. Giant rats appear and attack Clara. She is rescued by her Nutcracker, who has magically come to life. This intervention leads to a night of magic as The Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince and he leads Clara into a land of snow and ice where she meets a whole host of dancers from different lands.

The company of The Nutcracker is simply wonderful. Reina Fuchigami  is wonderfully charming as the lovely Clara, whilst Miki Mizutani is beautiful and the epitome of elegance as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Max Maslen is perfect as the Prince, a virile yet romantic lead who has a wonderful chemistry with his two female primas. Other stand outs including the crowd pleasing Russian dancers (John Fontanini, Marlo Kempsey-Fagg and Thomas Kujawa) who’s 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.

The Nutcracker is an annual classic that never loses its charm and beauty. The incredible, now iconic staging and costumes make the stage burst with colour and vibrancy, and the ballet continues to enchant new generations. This remains an unmissable part of the Birmingham Theatre calendar.

Simply Wonderful.

The Nutcracker

Birmingham Hippodrome

Saturday 22th – Saturday 13th December

Click here for ticket information

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