★★★★★
As the days creep towards the end of November, there are a few tell-tale signs that we are approaching Christmas. The sparkling opening notes of Mariah Carey’s joyful 1994 hit, the gradual appearance of twinkly fairy lights, and, if you’re lucky, a delicate dusting of bright white snowflakes. But there is one event that truly indicates the arrival of the festive season: the opening of the exquisite Birmingham Royal Ballet performance of The Nutcracker.
It is the 35th anniversary of the charming Tchaikovsky adaptation created by artistic director Sir Peter Wright, who celebrates his 100th birthday in 2026. Sir Peter gifted the production to the Midlands city back in 1990 after the company relocated from London.
The Nutcracker is set at the Stahlbaum family’s Christmas Eve party in Edwardian England. Overseeing the evening’s entertainment is flamboyant magician Drosselmeyer, performed with panache by Lachlan Monaghan. The conjurer impresses the glamorous partygoers by bringing children’s toys to life. Drosselmeyer’s magical spell leads the playthings to dance to Tchaikovsky’s iconic melodies, a scene that fascinates the party guests and the Hippodrome audience.
Eldest daughter Clara, an aspiring dancer, is given a mysterious Nutcracker Doll. With the party over, she falls asleep by the 30-foot Christmas tree—a mesmerising piece of set design by John Macfarlane. Clara has no idea of the magical adventure that awaits her. Upon the stroke of midnight, the inquisitive young girl falls into a fantasy realm beyond her wildest dreams. She must save her now life-sized Nutcracker Doll and defeat the fearsome King Rat.
Throughout the production, Macfarlane’s set design is faultless. Upon curtain-up, warm and comforting layers of luxurious red and green velvet transport the audience into the Stahlbaum’s drawing room. The already towering evergreen tree expands to create the illusion of Clara shrinking as she begins her magical journey.
As Clara visits the faraway lands filled with fantastical delights, the sets change with dramatic effect to become a character of its own. From forest glades to scenes of pure driven snow, Macfarlane’s dynamic designs and pyrotechnics capture the wonderful magic of The Nutcracker.
Under Carlos Acosta’s expert direction, Act I sets the scene and blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. When Act II gets underway, the Royal Ballet truly showcase their incredible talent. It is hard to believe that the company consists of just 60 dancers as they so effortlessly embody the different characters and express so much without words. Special mention must go to principal actors Miki Mizutani, Reina Fuchigami, Max Maslen and Lachlan Monaghan, and soloist Reina Fuchigami, who opened the production run with incredible elegance and athleticism. Adorned in opulent costumes that beautifully illustrate each scene, the entirety of the Birmingham Royal Ballet company are at once striking, sensuous, and playful.
The spellbinding Royal Ballet Sinfonia orchestra, led by Jean-Claude Picard, played the ballet’s symphony with enthralling precision. Tchaikovsky’s iconic music is instantly recognisable, with its soaring intensity and twinkling melodies underpinning the world-class performances. Each note thrillingly narrates drama and merriment as we accompany Clara on her magical Christmas adventure. The outstanding beauty of ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ and ‘Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy’ are particular highlights that are sure to bring a tear to your eye.
This fantastical journey filled with sugary sweet delights will enthral theatregoers of all ages. Whether you are a seasoned theatregoer, or looking to start a new Christmas tradition, the Birmingham Royal Ballet production of The Nutcracker is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit this year.
The Nutcracker runs at the Birmingham Hippodrome until 13 December.
Words by Tayler Finnegan
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