Over 100 dancers and musicians, along with sumptuous dancing, stunning sets and beautiful costumes, bring the English National Ballet’s Nutcracker to life.
Nutcracker takes dance audiences back in time to a frost-covered, gas-lit Edwardian London, where, one Christmas Eve, Clara finds herself on a magical adventure.
On a sparkling night in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a spectacular world, where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really begins.
Under the heavy boughs of a candle-lit Christmas tree, Clara battles with the Mouse King and falls for a handsome stranger. Her enchanted journey takes her to a Land Of Snow where she is entertained by all manner of exotic dancers, including the famous Sugar Plum Fairy.
Part of a typical London Christmas since the Fifties, the English National Ballet’s oft-vibrant and eccentric productions of Nutcracker have enchanted audiences in the capital city since the 1950s, and are broadly considered a staple of the London West End season. A spellbinding experience, numerous versions have been staged over the years, with Wayne Eagling’s concept and choreography having been performed since 2010. Famous dancers who have previously played Clara include Tamara Rojo, now Artistic Director of the ENB herself. The show tours multiple venues before arriving at its popular London home, the London Coliseum, in early December.
The popular Tchaikovsky score of Nutcracker, featuring the Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz Of The Flowers, is performed beautifully live by English National Ballet Philharmonic.
From the sound of the orchestra tuning up, to the final bows and cheers, a trip to English National Ballet’s Nutcracker is an unforgettable Christmas treat for the whole family.
Find out more about the rich variety of West End shows on offer in Theatreland.