Nutcracker

For this performance, you will experience a fresh interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s most famous seasonal score, brought to life through a new creative collaboration between choreographers Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith. The evening is shaped by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, whose live performance provides the rhythmic and melodic backbone for the company’s movement. You will hear all the familiar motifs of the Nutcracker, from the delicate celesta in the Sugar Plum Fairy’s sequence to the sweeping strings of the famous waltzes. Listen for the way the orchestration shifts from the intimate domestic scenes of the opening to the more expansive, fantastical textures of the second act. The choreography aims to balance the traditional requirements of this winter tale with a renewed visual energy, ensuring that the interplay between the dancers and the musicians in the pit remains the primary focus throughout the performance.

English National Ballet is a cornerstone of the British dance scene, celebrated for its technical precision and its ability to tour large-scale productions across the globe. Based in London, the company is known for maintaining a high standard of classical excellence while commissioning new creative voices. For this production, they are joined by their own English National Ballet Philharmonic. This dedicated orchestra is highly regarded for its specialism in the ballet repertoire, providing a nuanced and sympathetic accompaniment that is essential for a work of this musical complexity and historical weight.

This ballet takes place at the London Coliseum, a grand and spacious venue in the heart of the city. With a total running time of 125 minutes, the performance is a substantial evening out but remains accessible for those new to the art form. The length and the familiar melodic themes make it a practical choice for a first-time visitor. No specific dress code is required for the Coliseum, though many attendees choose to dress for the occasion. The performance is entirely non-verbal, relying on the live orchestral music and physical storytelling.