Theatre

Scottish Ballet – The Nutcracker At Festival Theatre, Edinburgh Review

TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.

Reviewed by Emily

Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker offered a sprinkling of Christmas magic to the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh last night. The opening night was warmly received by the full House audience. The live, 60 piece Scottish Ballet Orchestra give an enchanting quality to the Tchaikovsky score that accompany the dancers on stage.

After a busy Christmas Eve party, Clara falls asleep clutching her gift, the Nutcracker Prince, who comes to life in her dreams along with the Snow Queen, the Sugar Plum Fairy and a host of other characters as she travels through the Land of Snow and Sweets.

The comical Aunts added a humour that we can all relate to! A sherry to many possibly! The youngsters were fabulous, Clara showed great poise and the boys played their mischievous role to perfection.

Scottish Ballet have made leaps and bounds in addressing racism, diversity and stereotypes within the arts. The Land of Sweets in the second act, has become much more respectful to the different cultures represented. The magician, Drosselmeyer within this tour is also played by both male and female dancers. Changes in the arts, like those made by Scottish Ballet are important to make the arts more reflective of the diverse society we live in.

The staging of the show was beautiful, from the ballroom with its draped curtains and chandelier to the Land of Sweets with a backdrop of sparkling and shimmering baubles giving it a real magical quality. The costumes were mesmeric and elegant. The fabrics carefully catching the light, mirroring the movement of the dancers. The tinkle of the sequins on the magician’s cloak added another dynamic to the senses.

We sat down row B of the dress circle where we had comfortable seating and an excellent view of the stage. The theatre is accessible with lifts to each level and there are various options if further assistance is required by contacting the Theatre. The theatre was a comfortable temperature and had a definite airflow which is reassuring.

The entrance foyer is modern with plenty of space to meet and enjoy socialising. The Festival Theatre Café has ‘We’re Good to Go’ certification to show all covid guidelines are being followed and it stays open until show time.

The staff were helpful and welcoming, ensuring a quick and safe passage into the theatre for everyone. Masks were worn for the duration but Covid passports were not required.

Festival Theatre is located on Nicolson Street in Edinburgh city centre. It is about a 10 minute walk from Waverly station and the area is well serviced with public transport.

Rating: 5/5

The Nutcracker runs from 1st December until 31st December with some weekday and weekend (Saturday and Sunday) matinee performances at 2.30pm as well as evening performances at 7.30pm (Monday to Saturday). There is an inclusive performance on 16th December at 2.30pm. Tickets range from £19.50 to £52.50 and are available here.

Scottish Ballet- The Nutcracker is a real Christmas spectacle for the whole family and a great Christmas tradition.

Scottish Ballet- The Nutcracker
Festival Theatre, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh
https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/the-nutcracker-2021
1st -31st December 2021

Show More
Back to top button