Stream: The Nutcracker
This 2016 filming of the ROH classic Peter Wright production exemplifies the Royal Ballet at its finest. Again, Ross McGibbon captures this lavish production beautifully. A front stalls seat enabling you to watch this Christmas treat at your leisure. There are many different versions around the world, from ENB’s earlier production with snowflakes leaping out of fridges, their Wayne Eagling current Nutcracker Delights sadly cancelled at the last minute at the London Coliseum to Mathew Bourne’s 1992 sweet workhouse delight. However, none can truly capture this traditional but rather strange Hoffman tale better than this Royal Ballet spectacular.
Led by a powerful performance by Gary Avis as Magician Drosselmeyer and with a sweet performance by rising star Francesca Heywood as Clara, this confection is a marvel. Based on the original concept by Petipa Sir Peter Wright has created a wondrous spectacle whilst retaining the expected variations inspired by Tchaikovsky’s well-known suite. From the Christmas Tree that grows to an enormous height, the gliding Russian Angels, variations including Spanish, Arabians, Chinese Russian Trepak and Mirliton and of course, The Sugar Plum Fairy. One of the challenges in the repertoire. This is danced assuredly with immaculate technique by Lauren Cuthbertson with the ever-steady Federico Bonelli as her partner. Alexander Campbell makes a handsome Nutcracker/ Prince and the children of the Royal Ballet School shine as Clara’s pals and servants of the Mouse King. If ever you need a cheering up this is the production for you.
