Nutcracker

The music for this ballet is among the most recognisable in the classical canon, featuring a sequence of dances that have become synonymous with the winter season. As you listen, you will hear Tchaikovsky’s skilful use of the celesta, which provides the distinctive, shimmering quality to the movements of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This production features fresh choreography by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, which works in tandem with the English National Ballet Philharmonic to bring the traditional narrative to life. The evening is structured around a young girl’s journey through a world of toy soldiers and snowflakes, building toward a grand series of divertissements in the second act. You should listen for the warmth of the woodwinds and the driving energy of the percussion during the battle scenes. The score transitions from intimate domestic melodies to expansive, sweeping orchestral themes that define the scale of this production.

English National Ballet is a prominent UK-based company known for bringing high-calibre classical dance to a wide audience. Based in London, the ensemble is recognised for its technical precision and its ability to mount large-scale productions that tour both nationally and internationally. For this performance, they are accompanied by their own dedicated orchestra, the English National Ballet Philharmonic. This ensemble specialises in the specific demands of dance accompaniment, ensuring a close synchronization between the dancers on stage and the live symphonic sound that defines their reputation in the capital.

This performance takes place at the London Coliseum, a historic and spacious venue in the heart of the city. With a running time of 125 minutes, the production is well-suited for those looking for a traditional evening out without an overly late finish. The familiar melodies and visual storytelling make it an ideal choice if you are attending your first ballet. As is standard for major London theatres, there is no formal dress code, though many visitors choose to dress smartly for the occasion. We recommend arriving in good time to locate your seat in this large auditorium.