Every year, London’s theatres begin to perform their festive shows in time with the Christmas season. With one of the most infamous ballet performances being the Nutcracker; this year, I went to see the London Coliseum’s performance of the show. Beautifully performed, mesmerising, and pure talent can only begin to describe E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story…
The Nutcracker tells the story of a girl called Clara on Christmas Eve. On this night, St Nicholas arrives at Clara’s house to gift all the children their presents – where she receives a nutcracker doll. Together, Clara and her enchanted doll enter a magic world where she encounters the Mouse King of which they battle together and defeat. Then, they take a hot air balloon to the Land of Snow where the Nutcracker turns into her prince. He eventually leads her to the Land of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. In this land, we’re also introduced to a number of dancers from all over the world: including Spain, China and Russia.
English National Ballet Philharmonic’s performance of one of the most iconic Christmas ballets was extremely well executed and a wonderful show. Choreography by Wayne Eagling and music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the Nutcracker has produced some of the most well-known songs and dances to people across the globe. Over a 100 dancers and musicians came together to have made the show possible. The dances where perfectly rehearsed with each of the partners appearing harmonious; the performers were all faultlessly synchronised, gluing the show together. Including talent that ranged from young children to adult professionals, each character was contributing to the plot. An unmatched atmosphere filled the air as rounds after rounds of applauds were given towards the deserving dancers. The exploration of the multiple cultures and countries further added to the show by being unexpected, and so, made it unique. To me, the Nutcracker is unmatched, and like none other I have seen before!
The ballet also has a detailed history that I believed should be appreciated all the same. Commissioned by the director of Moscow’s Imperial Theatres, it had first premiered in St Petersburg on the 18th of December 1892 in the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre. Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa worked together to put together the Christmas masterpiece that is widely renown today. It was first performed outside Russia in 1934 in England, to the United States in 1944, and then onto the New York City Ballet in 1954. However, the holiday show did not become so popular until George Balanchine’s staging became a hit in NYC.
To conclude, I feel that everyone should attempt to see the spectacular show at least once in their lifetime, when it comes around. It is truly unforgettable and definitely something to tick off a festive bucket list. Such an iconic show as this can never go a miss!
