The Nutcracker at the Cliffs Pavilion Southend Review
The Nutcracker
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
29 January 2017
Reviewed by Claire Turner
We spent a lovely evening watching The Nutcracker performed by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia at The Cliffs Pavilion in Southend. It is part of the 2016/17 tour which also includes Swan Lake, Giselle, Coppelia and La Fille mal gardee. The theatre wasn’t full which was a shame, we had seats at the back of the balcony but had a great view of the stage. The first few rows of the stalls had been removed for the full orchestra to sit, they played wonderfully thorough out and the conductor Anatoliy Chepurnoy led his orchestra well, dressed in a sparkly suit!
The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most famous ballets, it tells the story of a young girl who receives a Nutcracker doll from her mysterious uncle one Christmas. The magical gift transforms into a soldier prince, and takes her on an enchanting journey into a fairyland. They encounter the Mouse King and his mouse army on their way and once in fairyland we see wonderful dances from around the world. Spain, China, Arabia and Russia. Each set of dancers transforms the stage and captivates the audience and receives rapturous applause.
The costumes were colourful and traditional, the dances known by most in the audience. The dance of the sugar plum fairy, waltz of the flowers, waltz of the snowflakes to name a few, all composed by Tchaikovsky.
We purchased a programme for £6 (this covers all ballets during their tour) this is helpful as if you’re unsure of the story you can follow what is happening, most people will know the story of the Nutcracker, the orchestra and dancers portray the story well.
The show is captivating from start to finish and each scene leads into the next as if they were the same scene. A truly wonderful ballet to watch and not just at Christmas!
The Cliffs Pavilion is easy to get to, has great parking on the sea front, lovely coffees in the foyer and always clean and welcoming.
A deserving 5 out of 5 stars.
Rating: 5/5 
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia tour of The Nutcracker is on tour until 21 February 2017. For more information, tour dates or to book tickets click here.
For other shows at the Cliffs Pavilion in Spouthend visit www.southendtheatres.org.uk.
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA | 01702 351135
