The Nutcracker

We are looking at a classic piece of seasonal storytelling where the music and movement are inseparable. You will hear Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score, which moves from the delicate, domestic sounds of a family gathering into a vast, symphonic landscape. Listen for how the Royal Ballet Sinfonia brings out the distinct textures of the orchestration, from the bright, crystalline tones of the celesta in the Land of Sweets to the rich, sweeping strings of the famous pas de deux. The evening follows Clara’s journey through a snowy forest and into a fantastical realm, using the combined creative visions of Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov, and Vincent Redmon. The choreography is designed to mirror the rhythmic intricacy of the music, creating a world where every visual beat matches a musical one. You should pay particular attention to the way the scale of the music expands as the setting shifts, providing a vivid emotional map for the characters’ adventures.

The Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the United Kingdom’s leading touring companies, widely respected for maintaining a broad repertoire that ranges from heritage classics to contemporary commissions. They are based at the Birmingham Hippodrome and are joined here by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia. As the company's dedicated orchestra, the Sinfonia is known for its expertise in playing for dance, requiring a precise understanding of tempo and phrasing. Rosanna Ely takes the central role of Clara, providing the narrative focus for the performance through her interactions with the ensemble and the live orchestral accompaniment.

This performance takes place at the Birmingham Hippodrome, the home venue for the company. With a running time of 130 minutes, it is a full-length production that is well-suited to those who enjoy a complete evening of narrative theatre. While there is no formal dress code, many attendees choose to dress smartly for these winter performances. Given the familiar music and clear storytelling, this event serves as a practical introduction for anyone new to the art form. Please note that the duration includes intervals, allowing for a break between the different acts of the story.