Nutcracker

The evening is built around Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score, performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. You will hear a series of familiar melodies, including the distinctive, chime-like tones of the celesta in the Sugar Plum Fairy’s sequence and the sweeping, romantic themes of the final pas de deux. This production features new choreography by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, offering a fresh visual interpretation of this classic winter narrative. The performance begins with the domestic warmth of a family gathering before transitioning into a more abstract, ethereal second half. Listen for the interplay between the woodwinds and the strings during the evocative snow scene, which marks the shift from the real world into the realm of the central dream. The choreography aims to balance traditional technical precision with modern movement, reflecting the dual contributions of the two creators.

English National Ballet is a leading British touring company based in London, known for maintaining a large-scale classical repertoire while commissioning new creative voices. They are joined by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, their dedicated orchestra that specialises in the unique requirements of dance accompaniment. The company is respected for its technical depth and its ability to stage demanding full-length productions. This performance showcases the collaborative vision of Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, highlighting the ensemble’s commitment to evolving the balletic form through new choreographic leadership.

This performance takes place at the London Coliseum, a grand Edwardian theatre located in the heart of the West End. The production has a total running time of 125 minutes, making it a substantial evening of theatre that remains accessible for those new to ballet. There is no specific dress code for this venue; audiences typically wear anything from smart-casual attire to more formal evening wear. Because the story is told entirely through dance and music, there is no spoken dialogue or need for surtitles, allowing you to focus entirely on the visual and orchestral elements.