Northern Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” At Theatre Royal, Nottingham Review

Reviewed by Tonya Glennister

On arrival it was easy to find the Box officer and collect our tickets, the foyer is quite a large open space, encompassing not only the box office, but also the cloakroom, various kiosks (selling drinks, sweets, and ice cream), and the Toilets which include as accessible Toilet for those needing balance rails, or the use of wheelchairs.

Finding our seats was easy to, your tickets direct you to the left or right stalls which are accessed via some small steps, for those in the higher tiers there is an accessible lift available.

If I could use only one word for this review it would be “Magical”.

The show begins with Clara eagerly looking out of the window, excited for everyone to arrive for the party.

The veil lifts to the scene of her family preparing, along with her naughty brother trying to cause mischief! once the guests have arrived we are transported to the Ballroom, which is full of energy from the children playing to everyone dancing, and then the Magic of Drosselmeyer Begins.

The Nutcracker is a well known story told from childhood, each version has its own magic and this show was no disappointment. Each set beautifully made with various partitions which set the individual scene. The costumes were exemplary from the regency style clothing of the Party, Glittering Snowflakes, Cute little mice, Sugar Plum Fairy and all the way through to the various cultural fashions of Spain and Arabia, Not to mention the magical shimmering cloak of Herr Drosselmeyer.

All the costumes flowed elegantly through the dancing it was truly mesmerising to watch.

Herr Drosselmeyer has always been my favourite character from the story, and through different books/movies he is depicted in different ways. Seeing his character come to life on stage and performing his wonderous magical tricks, and transporting Clara into the land of the Nutcracker was just amazing and definitely something to see with your own eyes.

Before we get transported to the Fairytale kingdom of the Nutcracker we first see the Battle of the Mouse King and the Nutcrackers Toy Infantry Army. This really is a sight to see because although it’s a serious scene it’s filled with some very funny Quirky dancing from the Mouse King, through to the final blow were the Mouse Kings compadres have to drag him away on the floor.

The Interval gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs and pop to the kiosk for that cheeky sweet snack. I was pleasantly surprised to find there were no long queues, so we could get the items we wanted quickly and with friendly service.

Back to our seats for Act 2 the fairyland kingdom of the nutcracker, which is filled with an array of dances to the beautiful musical scores of Tchaikovsky performed by the Sinfonia Orchestra.
The show ends once Clara has woken from her dream with the Nutcracker cradled in her arms.

There is nothing we didn’t like about the show from that first cheeky sip of wine by the Butler through to the Final Bow, it was a magical performance from both Dancers and Orchestra.

Rating: 5/5

The show is on from Wednesday 16th November 2022 until Saturday 19th November 2022

For more information or to book tickets please visit Northern Ballet – The Nutcracker | Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Nottingham (trch.co.uk) or phone the box office on 0115 989 5555

For tour information please visit The Nutcracker | Northern Ballet

Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND